If Di Maria played another ten minutes the game would have been won by Argentina in regular time.

Important to mention Emiliano Martinez's save in the closing *seconds* of overtime-123rd minute! The most important save in football history!

I was upset when DiMaria was taken off. I think that opened the door for France's comeback.

Julian Alvarez was surely overlooked by many while praising Argentina's victory run!! This kid did his part and did most of the pressing upfront when dispossessed.. Surely a bright future ahead!!

I still can’t get over the dominance of arg in the first 70 minutes. Even still France almost took it home if it wasn’t for Martinez at the end. There will be years before we see another match of this level.

Argentina actually outplayed france completely. If it weren’t for few moments, Argentina could have won by regular time.

i think Argentina was the best team in this world cup(of course its a world cup winner, but sometimes, winners are not always dominant during the game). top class finishers (except lautaro), brilliant tactics that easily broke every team's defense. Argentina had almost no struggle to make the ball reach the penalty box and make a shot from comfortable position(unlike before). this team's tactics has drastically improved and i think that is Scaloni's merit. He is seriously underappreciated.

it wasnt just tactical, Argentina players are brutal which also helped them. They werent afraid to go into tackles or put their bodies on the line. Greatest finals so far.

Julian Alvarez is a machine... a work horse, a team player... But its unfortunate that players like him will remain underrated.. hope the same isn't the destiny for Alvarez....

As an Argentinian, just want to say: Di María unfortunately had to be taken off because he had an injury, Scaloni deliberately kept him out of every match so he could play the final. He played along Messi in our national team his whole career and thanks to him we got far in 2014 as well. He’s worshiped here.

Di Maria is so underrated. He was the tip of the spear alongside messi. When Scaloni replaced him, the game changed. Luckily, we had Emiliano Martinez. Best team ever, better than 78, 86, 90 and 2014. Band of brothers.

I remember watching Argentina in the 80s and how they'd sometimes showcase a suffocating all-pitch defensive pressure where at any given moment there were 3 players on every single player from the opposing team. The first 60 or so minutes of this final gave me flashbacks to the times. It really made it seem like if Argentina had 20 players on the field.

36 years after they finish their streak on the 36th game and messi is about to become 36 years old, i think that number might be magical to them.

As a French fan, we had the impression that France was not playing during the first half, some phases of games are indeed clearer now, the bitter taste of this final but what a game!

France was lucky to get the 2 penalties. Argentina was by far the better team most of the time. But great that it went to penalties for the decider. It felt like a movie, with an awesome ending. Goku saved the day once again.

It was one of the most one sided matches I've ever seen and the dominant team almost lost, that's incredible.

2:42 yes! not many notice and valorate Alvarez aside from his goals, his pressing were absolutely key in every match, see how different was the team when he's subbed or get tired. Argentina became great when him and Enzo Fernandez started in every match.

This Argentina team is awesome not only in tactics but in heart each player knew what they wanted and they fought every minute every ball and every chance they had to win the game even though the French players are bigger in size they had the talent and the strength to overcome the situation Congratulations to this awesome team🇦🇷👏🏆🏆🏆

I'm Argentinean, and never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that Argentina would play this well against FRANCE, let alone nullify Mbappe for almost 80 minutes. I was utterly stunned.

Full credit to the strong midfield interception by Argentina.

Brilliant analysis. Here in the US I hear too often people complain football (soccer) is boring. They don't understand the tactical battles happening on the field. To them, it looks like nothing is happening, similar to a tactical boxing match or MMA fight. I love this part of the game, this is where games are won or lost.

Folks...DiMaria can not play the full 90 min...that is why I said many times it is better for him to come in as a sub......he had a great game but his substitution almost cost us the WC! I am not Argentinian but I am very happy for the team..Messi and the whole country that is going through hard times. from A GREEK enjoy the win in one of the best if not the best games EVER! and this time we are crying for you ARGENTINA but with tears of joy!!!!

Scaloni is a masterclass. Seven matches dominating the game. And i agree with you, players seems cant keep their emotions. Two goals against saudi, dutch, and france are happen in short minutes. This is their weakness.

Now this is what is called an intelligent breakdown of a game as opposed to taking the easy route and writing "France didn't even try..oh it was rigged for Argentina" on Social Media which so many viewers indulge in!

Argentina had greater domination, fought with determination and heart. They knew that this was how a final should be played, something that France took a long time to understand. I'm so glad the cup is home 🇦🇷💙🇦🇷

Scaloni thought Di Maria was tired, that's why he replaced Angel. When Di Maria got out of the field he said to Scaloni "I scored and you replace me?". Scaloni acknowledged it was a mistake. I'm still searching for the video, it was a small interview just after the game. I guess, besides Di Maria performance, the key was Argentina's midfield, Enzo, Mac Allister and De Paul totally destroyed France midfield. Think about this, Argentina played with 3 number 10, 3 creative midfielders. De Paul played as number 10, Mac Allister is the 10 of Brighton and then Messi.

I think Scaloni surprised us all when he placed Di Maria at the left, and from the beggining. The game moved towards the right side of the field, with Messi, Molina and De Paul, and letting Di Maria well positioned at the left, lead him to many one on one situations. Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez work were also crucial in this game. The whole tactics on the first part was focused in Di Maria's attacking danger/capacity, so I think his substitution was due to physical conditions, that probably was talked before. No one is so stupid to substitute his best player in the field if there isn't a necessity to do so, and Scaloni is very intelligent. But, maybe he could left him a few minutes more.

YES!! HE'S BACK!!!! MY HERO!! YOU'RE THE HERO THAT THIS COMMUNITY NEEDS!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

It was a tactical error on the part of Scaloni to take off Di Maria. He was playing well and Argentina could have wrapped up the match in regular time. But in the end I was happy that it was one of the greatest finals ever played and that Argentina won with helping hand of Martinez

Argentina were untouchable the first 70 minutes but Scaloni tried to go defensive way too early, he should’ve kept di maria on for another 10 minutes.

Apparently scaloni asked many times to Di Maria if he was alright and he said he was fine but scaloni misinterpreted his gesture as if Di Maria was asking to leave, huge mistake.

Scaloni outsmarted Deschamps in tactics, but same as in previous games, Scaloni lacks in-game adjustments and so he loses against teams with smart coaches after substitutions (Saudi, Netherlands, France). Argentina’s defense also goes on a meltdown immediately when their opponent scores, which explains why Mbappe scored quickly after his PK.

What broke France was pre-tournament injury to key players and FIFA's understanding that Messi winning the world cup would generate the most revenue.

He's back... I missed this show... I loved every detail

Spot on analysis. What brought France back was the coach bringing in strong attacking players willing to make a run, forcing Argentina into mistakes, giving away a penalty; and letting crossers know, hey, we've got people in the box!!! This is why you must bring such players to a tournament to break deadlock. France was pegged back for 70s mins for 2 reasons: 1) Argentina was pressing; 2) they were simply playing to shape, which wasn't working at all. It was same old same old which can backfire when players think it will bring the same rewards as the previous game. In such an instance, you need a creative midfielder to change things up. Also, Argentina in this tournament seem to know how to use Messi, which is: Messi needn't do everything himself. He just have to draw opposing players away to free up supporting attackers. Why many other Argentina players which be grateful, else they wouldn't have gotten their name on the scoresheet.

until that penalty of mbappe and then France gained momentum Argentina was annihilating France. they had no answer they looked clueless but after the equalizer, Argentina didn't panic they fought until the end and in the penalty shootout they destroyed France and dibu was phenomenal in that shootout he broke the confidence of France players and put them into pressure there'll be no final like this. truly Messi was destined to win this.

Scaloni did an amazing job coaching this World Cup. In the final Argentina stymied France for 80 minutes. I feel they achieved this through 3 main objectives. 1) Pressing from Julian Alvarez and De Paul. Enzo Fernández dominated the midfield and won a lot of second balls and was key distributing the ball calmly during transition. Romero and Otamendi defended well against Giroud. Griezmann was ineffective thanks to pressure from De Paul, Enzo and Macallister. (Macallister in attack made key runs and made the brilliant assist to Di Maria). 2) Di Maria on the left flank was the standout brilliant tactical move by Scaloni as it meant if possession was lost there was more time for Argentina to recover their shape to contain Mbappe. I like how Tagliafico inverted to overload the half space forcing Dembele to defend Di Maria on the penalty. I like how it Scaloni also used that tactic to open up space for Messi in the half space with switching of play from left flank to the right. 3) Messi the GOAT and difference maker in the final. Messi was instrumental in the flick on in the 2nd goal triangle to Julian Alvarez, who played Macallister in behind and ended with Macallister assisting Di Maria with a perfect pass. This was up there for goal of the tournament and Argentina's attack at its best. The overtime goal was sheer willingness and following up Martinez shot, after direct ball over the top from Montiel, a great backheel to Messi and through ball put Lautaro Martinez on goal (at least he hit the target this time!). Messi was in the right place at the right time willing to make his destiny come true. Argentina had an amazing run to overcome adversity 3xtimes (Saudi Arabia, Netherlands and France) to exceed the pressure of winning and key contributions from Emi Martinez in penalty shootouts, to the defensive workrate of Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernández. Some key goals from Julian Alvarez, Nahuel Molina and Macallister during the run to support Messi to achieve his dream of winning the World Cup!

Yes we all agree that after they took off Di Maria, of which the coach at that rime felt he wasn't fit enough to continue, gave France more room as his replacement was too focused on defending and that gave more room for France to pass the ball a lot with time, with Di Maria, France were making rushed decisions because there was always a player on their neck

Excellent analysis - I also felt that Argentines were playing with more passion and willingness to win and were ready to sacrifice everything - that changes the mindset and adds that X factor

France only came back into the game after Di Maria was subbed off - game would have been won in normal time if he stayed on. None the less, it was written in the stars that Messi and Argentina were going to win this WC ❤❤❤

Argentina Champion of The World.🇦🇷⭐⭐⭐🇦🇷. Greeting from Argentina 😎🇦🇷

That game was epic. 100% what you want in a World cup final

As someone from france. We felt like the french team wasnt playing at all and they werent putting any effort into the match. I left the match halfway through and came back when it was almost over. It took the 80th minute for mbappe to wake up. And he made me believe into victory again. He was incredible towards the end of that match. But when the penalty shootout came I knew we already lost. We often lost to penalties like in 2006 against italy and I knew history would repeat. Argentina play was out of this world and outsmarted france during most of the match

I love this kind of analysis, it truly shows how was the match and how powerful was Argentina rather than those kids crying it was penalties that made Argentina won

If Di maria would had played the final of 2014 Argentina 🇦🇷 would have 4 stars ⭐️ now

Besides alvarez, de paul is basically the engine, pressing up and freeing messi's defensive responsibilities

I watched your videos during Russia 2018, your analysis was so brilliant and i always wondered where you went to. Great to have you back!!

Este partido es un antes y después en la historia del fútbol, la estrategia de Scaloni y Messi para aprovechar sus debilidades y apoyarse en un equipo medianamente inferior, es la representación máxima del fútbol en toda su expresión.

It’s nice to share a deeper understanding of the game within the game, thx. I had noted in the aftermath ….that the tide really turned against them after Di Maria was subbed out. And I wondered if his counter attacking prowess had forced France to play more carefully, and that in his absence they felt they could open it up with less to worry about on his side. I’m so happy for him as a player he has toiled long for his country. Like Messi, in a game that gives no one what they deserve, they somehow deserved this.

It was definitely a masterstroke on the part of Scaloni to use Di Maria on the left wing as France had been lacking a regular right back with Right winger Dembele not much accustomed to defend. Right back Jules Kounde is essentially a centre back and the centre back Varane was getting slow with age. Scaloni was very lucky that the mistake of the late substitutions of Di Maria and De Paul didn't cost him the Match and the Cup.

Excellent analysis, this game has been one of the greatest of all time. Thanks for sharing this. Blessings.

Top top analysis! Love the illustration and the explanation

Welcome back, legend Great video, wonderful to see you quality never dropped after all this time absent

Great to see you're back! Hope your with us for the long run this time.

Welcome back man! You have amazing tactical analysis!

Excellent analysis, well done on visualizing this all.

70min of pure dominance of Argentina. Amazing final, top level

It really was a tactical battle and of all the World Cups I have witnessed it was the best final of all time.. brilliant and very professional analysis by the creators of this video

I’ve been waiting for this channel to make a video for a while because I really enjoy your videos man

Welcome back. We missed you 🔥🔥🔥

Argentina's strength throughout the world cup they could adapt to any style. There was games that they controlled the ball and others that they let the opponent have the ball (Croatia)

Masterclass explaining the tactics of the match , well done bro 👏 👍

He’s back!!! Love this

It was only after Angel Di Maria left the field that Mbappe was even aware of his presence on the ground.😆

Great video! As Argentinian fan, I agree on your comments. I was expecting Paredes by Di Maria to have more midfielders , Scaloni never did that change except against Brazil in the Copa America final.

never thought ill see another video! Welcome Back!!!

Beautiful work bro, you found yourself a loyal fan I'll keep watching and supporting you bro.

Scaloni really did his homework on this final

Replacing Di Maria is like replacing Riquelme during the match against Germany in WC 2006. Both were almost at the same time. Di Maria at 64th minute and Riquelme at 71st minute. Both were leading at the time. Current Argentina was very lucky that everyone in the team got involved in everything especially that Martinez's save during the last minute of the extra time was super crucial. When it comes to football, luck plays a huge role alongside any genius tactics.

This game truly showed the peak of french football and their development in recent years, how they were able create a generation of insanely durable and fast players. Mbappe is the prime representation of what in my opinion, the new standard for modern football player. Its like an industry generating players with the same attributes and quality, which is kinda scary the more you think of it. Argentina on the other side played the same football that was played by them ever since; a side of skills, a bit of dirtiness, and on top of that the willingness to give their life for their country. Its the same energy that was shown by Maradona and his Argentinian side back in the day. I remember watching a movie about Pele and his first wc final against Sweden, how it was not just a final but a clash between two extremities, two totally different style of football, and the wc final this year represented that to the highest, that for me is what makes it the most beautiful final that I got to witness in my life time

Im glad to see your videos back🤩

what a great analysis , what wonderful analysis !! Hats Off man

I just wanna say... Aguante Argentina, aguante Messi, Di María, Dibu, todos... que fenómenos son estos pibes por Dios.

Great analysis. Was wondering if there will be a video analyzing Morocco France game. Keep it up!

This was the most intense final ever in football history, despite Spain 2008-2012 is the best national team ever existed.

What a breath of fresh air. Some good exploration on what happened during the game. While there is the consideration of the French team's health that may have also affected their performance, overall I enjoyed this analysis thoroughly.

the 4 -2 - 4 was the same set up that france used against brazil in the final back in 98. it was set up so that brazil could not develop anything from the back. this time however the argentinians were aware of this tactic. they quickly gave the ball to their overcrowded midfield which held on to the ball which forced the 4 forwards to play defensively instead of pressing the back 4. this further allowed argentina to play a 2 -4 -4 which cut off all of frances counter attacks.

A fairytale unfolded 1. Passion 2. Tactics. To keep that ball away from france for such long time especially from their striker was something extraordinary. Even though hearts were with them but arg lifting the trophy, the chances seemed to be very slim. France's attack was like a team of titans. But that's why its surely the best effort by a team to w8n the worldcup.

Di Maria is too underated despite his amazing performance.

I think Di Maria was super exahusted, and thats why Scaloni sent him out. Like you said, he was kinda "alone" in the left side of the pitch and he was putting a lot of pressure. That made him consume a lot of extra energy. I think the substitution idea was accurate, but maybe Acuña could not handle that good (i do not know why). It was a great match by Argentina. One of the best i have ever seen. Great video! Great analysis! Cheers!

Best World Cup Final ever

before mbappe serious mode, i was preparing to sleep knowing how good argentina neutering france opposition, apparently im wrong and forced to stay till the end, great game though

Great analisis! I may add, the decision to place Di Maria on the left side of the court and choose that side to attack France I think it was also because in case of loosing the ball they where on the opposite side of the court where Mbappe use to occupy, meaning they have more time to back up and adjust before the ball gets to him. Just brilliant! Aguante Argentina!!!

This video is so perfect man, I'm getting my heartbeat faster as an AR Fan knowing the significance of this, that game! The music transitions are so full of thrill!

Mbappe was in Romero's pocket the whole game to be honest just resurrected when France got a penalty

Argentina only conceded 2 goals whilst Alvarez was on the pitch this World Cup and that was in the final 10 minutes of normal time in the final! I feel he could be the key to City winning the Champions league this season 🤔

Welcome back! I was missing this channel but I hope you're doing well

Di Maria really is the heart and soul of that midfield,showed big time when he came off,good analysis

Unbelievable..hes back...and a short cameo with rynos theme...the end is near 🤣

Easily the best football match I’ve watched. Perhaps the best match I’ve watched in any sport. And yes the game changed when the legend of Angel Di Maria (one of my favorite footballers ever) was subbed.

Finally you’re back❤️🔥

Surprise video... Great analysis... 👍🔥

Great video that was amazing

Very nice analysis, well done!

This sounds like a war counsel, epic video

Amazing video!! Thanks!!🇦🇷🔥

The smartest football viewer ever ❤️‍🔥

Repects to the coach Scaloni who applied the right tactics each game after considering the strength and weakness of each opponent on that day and also the strgth and wkns of his team. Also his players greatly suppoted them to execute on field the as per the plan

I could hear my heart beating at unsafe speeds while watching this match. Rewatching the penalties on this one and Argentina - Netherlands makes my heart go faster to this day.

Thanks a lot for doing this great work! :) I discover your channel amazing work! Tchouameni hasn't done a great defensive World Cup, Kanté & Pogba were injured they are usually on the field if they were healthy enough! I agree for most of your video as a French guy Argentina was above most of the match, but when the first penalty from France arrived I knew it was a turning point, and if Argentina would have been so great tactically, France couldn't have come back in the match, when Mbappe had more liberty, there was only Mbappé on the field this day and Kolo Muani who created danger nobody else, therefore I don't know if defensively they were so amazing! I never understood why the coach replaced Di Maria thankfully for him they have won but the most impacting player was out so.. the psychological advantage is lessened!