'It's an historic moment' - Argentina coach Scaloni proud of thrilling World Cup triumph


John McAuley
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Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to his “unbelievable” players after their incredible World Cup final victory against France, at the same time telling his country to enjoy the moment of a third global success.

Argentina seemed set for a first World Cup win in 36 years at Lusail Stadium on Sunday, when they charged to a 2-0 lead against the reigning champions. Lionel Messi, their captain, scored from the spot and Angel Di Maria added a second to give the South Americans a 2-0 lead at half-time.

However, France rebounded late on with two quick-fire goals – 97 seconds separated them – from Kylian Mbappe to force extra-time.

Messi then scored again before Mbappe struck a second penalty for his side to push the contest to the shoot-out. There, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved from Kingsley Coman, Aurelien Tchouameni sent his spot-kick wide, leaving Argentina defender Gonzalo Montiel to seal the most memorable of wins.

Speaking immediately afterwards to TV, a tearful Scaloni said: "I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything.

"I am proud of the work they did. It is an exciting group. With the blows we received today and we keep taking, with the draws, this makes you emotional. I want to tell people to enjoy - it's a historic moment for our country."

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni gets emotional during a press conference at the end of World Cup final win against France. AP
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni gets emotional during a press conference at the end of World Cup final win against France. AP

Scaloni, who last year guided Argentina to Copa America glory to end the country’s 28-year wait for a major trophy, added: "This is what happened today: [France] reacted and that's huge credit to them. Above all, it is an incredible enjoyment to be at the top, as we are. It's something unique."

In capturing a third World Cup, Scaloni's side add to the previous victories for the country in 1978 and 1986. The national team have also lost three finals, most recently in 2014.

Messi, whose six goals in Qatar were second only to Kylian Mbappe (eight), was named the player of the tournament, while Martinez was awarded the prize for best goalkeeper.

"It was a game where we suffered," Martinez said. "Two crappy shots and [France] levelled. They give them another penalty, they scored. Thank God later I did my thing, what I dreamed of.

"There could not have been a World Cup that I have dreamed of like this. I was calm during the penalties.”

Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul added: "I'll never forget it. We had to suffer, but we deserved to win. We've beaten the last champions - it's a joy I cannot put into words.

"I'm proud of being born in Argentina and today we are on top of the world."

Takreem Awards winners 2021

Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)

Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)

Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)

Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)

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Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)

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Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

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Sid Jhurani is not the first cricketer from the UAE to go to the UK to try his luck.

Rameez Shahzad Played alongside Ben Stokes and Liam Plunkett in Durham while he was studying there. He also played club cricket as an overseas professional, but his time in the UK stunted his UAE career. The batsman went a decade without playing for the national team.

Yodhin Punja The seam bowler was named in the UAE’s extended World Cup squad in 2015 despite being just 15 at the time. He made his senior UAE debut aged 16, and subsequently took up a scholarship at Claremont High School in the south of England.

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Updated: December 18, 2022, 9:13 PM`