Kylian Mbappe (24‧ Paris Saint-Germain) failed to lift the championship cup at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, Mbappe announced the arrival of a new era by achieving a hat-trick in the World Cup finals for the first time in 56 years.
In the final against Argentina held at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on the 19th (hereinafter referred to as Korean time), France drew 3-3 through extra time and lost 2PK4 in the penalty shootout.
As a result, France’s dream of winning a second consecutive World Cup following the 2018 World Cup in Russia was dashed. Mbafe, who challenged the feat of Pele, who led Brazil to two consecutive World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962, also left a regret.
Even though France did not win the championship, Mbappe played a big role throughout this tournament, showing himself as the emperor of French football, and furthermore, football of the new era.
In fact, ahead of this tournament, the gaze toward France was more concerned than expected. N’Golo Kante (Chelsea) and Paul Pogba (Juventus), who should be in charge of the French midfield, were injured and the tournament itself was canceled. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig), and Fresnel Kimpembe (Paris Saint-Germain), who had been with Qatar, also fell due to injuries.
Then, in the first group match against Australia, Luca Hernandez (Bayern Munich) suffered a cruciate ligament injury and was withdrawn from the national team. In response to the news of continued injuries, some predicted France’s early elimination by mentioning the ‘winner’s team jinx’.
However, Mbappe scored three goals in the first and second rounds of the group stage, leading to two consecutive victories. With two consecutive victories obtained early on, France secured early passage through the group stage.
Even after entering the tournament, Mbappe was a threat. Even in the intensive checks of his opponents, Mbappe energized his team’s offense by breaking through the dribble through his fast speed, which is his specialty. Although he hadn’t scored since the round of 16 against Poland, the presence of Mbappe created a crack in the opposing team’s defense.
Mbappe, who had been quiet in the previous two games, exploded in the final. Mbappe struggled and calmly scored three goals each time the team was pulled, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the final since Jeff Hurst of England in 1966. Mbappe was the number 1 kicker in the penalty shootout and succeeded in scoring, showing a strong heart. 안전놀이터
Mbappe, who added 3 goals in the final, became the main character of the Golden Boot by scoring 8 goals in this tournament. It is the first time that Mbappe has won the golden boot with 8 points since Ronaldo (Brazil) in 2002.
In addition, Mbappe added 8 goals this time following 4 goals 4 years ago, recording 12 goals in the World Cup total, standing shoulder to shoulder with legendary player Pele. Furthermore, Mbappe was aiming to break the record for the most goals (16 goals) held by Miroslav Klose (Germany).
Mbappe, who played a big role throughout this tournament, was unfortunately unable to lift the championship trophy. However, his performance throughout the tournament made him look forward to his performance in the future football world.