This year’s World Cup is the greatest sporting event in the world, with the next FIFA tournament in 2026!
From Saudi Arabia beating Argentina to a historical hat trick played by Mbappe, there wasn’t a dull moment at the event, especially with everyone in hunger for the World Cup title!
Let’s look back at the top 10 moments of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar!
Japan Defeating Germany
Japan shocked the world by beating Germany in the group stage, defeating the four-time World Cup champions by 2-1 due to late goals by Japan’s substitutes, Ritsu Doan and Takamu Asano. It was all thanks to coach Hajime Moriyasu, whose 2nd half changes had turned around the whole game’s atmosphere.
Breakthrough for South Korea
When South Korea found out they had advanced to the round of 16, tears flowed freely amongst its players. Along with Japan and Australia, the Koreans were one of three Asian Football Confederation sides to advance from their groups.
Ronaldo Getting Benched
The absence of Ronaldo from Portugal’s round-of-16 match against Switzerland was not anticipated. Coach Fernando Santos had expressed his anger towards the star footballer in a news conference, after Ronaldo’s response in being substituted off. They were up against South Korea too.
Though Ronaldo not being captain seemed impossible, him being dismissed entirely from the match was uncalled for. In his absence, Portugal looked youthful, wild, and free, winning 6-1. Not to mention his substitute, Gonçalo Ramos, scored a hat trick just added to the narrative.
Croatia’s Fatherly Moments
After Croatia’s win over Morocco, the players cheered and hugged each other. But there were some special guests for player Luka Modrić awaiting him at the booths. His children were there, alongside the rest of his mate’s children.
It really was a wholesome scene, as the children had scurried up to their fathers. Even Ivan Perisic had passed up a place in the team huddle, dancing away with his kids!
Iran Not Singing To The Anthem
Iran’s players took the bold move of not singing their national anthem before playing in a match up against England at the World Cup. It was a demonstration of sympathy for the widespread protests taking place in their country.
Their silence spoke loudly and increased pressure on the Iranian government, which halted the morality police last week.
Croatia’s Brutality On Field
For the past six FIFA World Cups, Croatia have reached the semi-finals three times. You don’t get that from many teams here!
From winning a penalty shootout against Japan in the round of 16, to defeating Brazil and advancing to the final fours, Croatia had really stunned many. Having older players and a slower pace compared to other teams does not deter nor make them fear, as their talent and expertise are not to be messed with!
Although they did not make it to the finals, Croatia did claim 3rd place in the FIFA World Cup 2022 against Morocco.
Spain’s Coach Sacked
Spain had first lost to Japan in the qualifying rounds, then to Morocco in Round of 16 at the World Cup. It was humiliating and shocking to say, as it had led the team to elimination.
What was more shocking was Spain’s coach, Luis Enrique, being sacked right after the elimination announcements. He was replaced with Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s under-21 manager.
Morocco Entering Semi-Finals
Morocco became the first African team in history to enter the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, beating Portugal and knocking them out of the game.
Although they did not win against Croatia or France, they still had a remarkable winning spree leading up to the team entering the semis. It was attributed to its solid defense, swift transitions, and comfort in control of the ball in Qatar.
Mbappe’s Hat-Trick In Final Match
Kylian Mbappe became the first guy since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 World Cup final to score a hat-trick. At the age of 23, the Paris Saint-Germain striker now has 4 World Cup final goals, the most in history people have seen.
He had earned himself the Golden Boot trophy, beating Lionel Messi who had won the Golden Ball for best player instead.
Argentina Winning the World Cup
The finale match of the FIFA World Cup was an extraordinary one, with 6 goals scored during the match! With Messi and Mbappe fighting for the win, both teams went head on head to a penalty shootout.
France fell short by missing two penalties and with Emiliano Martinez’s great saves, it led Argentina to a victory at the World Cup. It really was the greatest game ever, as fans from both teams were so on edge to the last minute, with Argentina and France pushing each other to the limit!
Conclusion
May it be good, historical or bad moments happened at the World Cup, we should all still give a round of applause to all the players and coaches for working very hard. Everyone deserves some form of recognition, even those that lost out in the game.
We wish all players and coaches the best of luck. See you at the 2026 World Cup!
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