Being a final, that was probably the greatest game of all time. What an epic. Messi always felt destined to win and the contrast between his and Ronaldo's contributions in this tournament couldn't have been more stark.

Feel for Mbappe though. Joins Hurst as a hattrick scorer in a final and one of only a handful to score in 2 finals. Great hit for the 2nd goal.

Can't help feeling happy for Martinez too. A little over 3 years ago he was our 3rd choice. At the time it felt wrong backing Leno, and I know we all now love Ramsdale but it was still the wrong call.

    invisibleman18 7 years ago he was struggling to buy a start for Rotherham. It's just such an amazing story and he loves Arsenal too.

    Ramsdale isn't far off his level currently but hard to imagine him being such a insane character to single handedly win a country their WC with that kind of save in the 122th minute.

    • goon replied to this.

        Epic World Cup overall. Looking forward to getting some sleep now! These things are always a bit rough being on this side of the world. Managed to watch almost every game. For the final group stage games I mainly watched the one I thought was most interesting (ie, both teams still playing to get through) on my TV while having the other one playing on my phone to keep checking in. Only game I missed entirely was Senegal-Qatar as had a visitor staying and couldn't get away with watching all 4 games that day. Spain-Costa Rica I gave up on at half time (was watching delayed so moved onto the next game with that one over as a contest).

        For the last couple of World Cups I remember catching buses/trains at ridiculous times to be able watch games in a bar in town before work. Now that working from home is a thing it's been easier to manage!

        Enzo Fernandez is class. Love the way he uses ball rolls to create space or escape pressure.

        Wonder where he’ll end up. PSG probably.

        Other less obvious/lesser known players who stood out. Muani, Ounahi, Amrabat, Embolo, Musah, and Dest

        Clrnc Ramsdale is a good character too Tbf, just look at how he trolls away fans.

        Whether he’s quite as good at penalties or would have the gall to chuck the ball away is another matter.

          Thinking about the team of tourney. Could include
          Messi, Mbappe, Griezmann
          Modric, Arambat, Ounahi, Enzo
          Garviol, Hakimi, Acuna
          Emi

          Tchouameni, Saka, Bellingham honorable mention.

            Mirth true but I was mostly referring to their performances. For the insane levels of talent they had they always looked atrocious. Even in 2014. Clrnc is right though, this side has a much better spread of talent. No point having 8 very good forwards when only 2 of them get picked. England have a similar problem at the moment.

              Incredible tournament, has to be one of the best World Cups I've watched. Having it mid season has made a big difference imo. The players have a lot more energy and the games were a lot more intense. I think going forward the mid season world cup needs to be considered. Usually after a long hard season most players are dead on their feet.

              Thought Argentina were far better than France for most of the game, in midfield France were completely overrun. Argentina always looked like they could create chances and did create a fair few.

              Fitting for Messi to win this way, his career is now complete and can finally put aside any doubts about him being there with all time greats. He's had a complicated relationship with the national team and fans, have felt in recent years that isn't the case. Was outstanding and driving force behind Argentina this tournament.

              Shout out to Mbappe, lots of talk about him in recent months but the guy is ready to take over. This guy still has another 3 World cups in him, next two he will be at his absolute peak imo. Wonder if Zidane takes over, for the talent that country has they should be playing a lot better football imo! Can't argue with Deschamps record though.

              Claudius

              Mine. And added a few other categories for this unforgettable world cup. Having withdrawal symptoms now its over ffs.

              Emi
              Hakimi Aguerd Gvardiol AttilatAllah
              Amrabat Ounahi Enzo
              Griezmann
              Messi Mbappe

              Subs: Bono, Souttar, Behich, Dumfries, Talbi, Davies, Modric, Bellingham, Adams, Mitoma, Doan, Kudus, Saka, Alvarez.

              Basically I have included everyone that impressed me whenever I seen them live and our group stages heroes are not to be forgotten.

              Team of the Tournament: Morocco
              Golden Ball: Messi
              Golden Glove: Bono
              Breakout star: Ounahi
              Biggest Disappointment: Brazil
              Biggest Upset: Saudi vs Argentina
              Most memorable match: Korea 2-3 Ghana (would have been the final if I watched it live)
              Most forgettable match: Tunisia vs Denmark
              Best Atmosphere: Morocco vs Portugal
              Worst Atmosphere: Denmark vs Australia
              WC Rating: 9/10 - Possibly the best WC ever, minus 1 because of the human rights and FIFA/Qatar factor

                  I wonder if the end of the club season will pay for this. As players go long. Hopefully, our squad will still be fresh because they all sat on the bench or were sat at home. But teams like City, United and Spurs could suffer

                  City key players were all knocked out early as well so unlikely they will suffer much.

                  Alvarez transformed Argentina. Having someone up front who chased everything and made runs in behind the line made Argentina a much better team.

                  Incredible final but overall a strange and forgettable World Cup. So many ties decided by penalty kicks, no red cards, Brazil going out early...

                  And I hate that Argentina won it. What a bunch of thugs. Paredes is a psycho and Martinez is a clown.

                    lorddulaarsenal Nah, up until 70 minutes into the final, Griezmann was France's best player in the tournament. Surprised me since I don't usually like him.

                        I saw this online, and it made me laugh.

                        “It was Mac Allister that was Home Alone on the break, and his pass met by an Angel at Christmas. A goal against the French, made in Brighton and converted by a former citizen of Paris.”

                        • Peter Drury

                        “Good finish by Di Maria, that.”

                        • Lee Dixon