Sports

Sergio Aguero allowed to lift World Cup as Argentina beat France on penalties

Published

2 years ago

December 18, 2022

Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero was allowed the opportunity to lift the World Cup on the pitch in Lusail after a thrilling penalty shootout victory for Argentina against France.

Aguero made 101 appearances for the Argentina first team scoring 41 goals during that time. However, his international and domestic playing career was cut short a year ago after doctor’s discovered a cardiac arrhythmia..

The 34-year-old has been in and around the Argentina camp throughout the tournament in Qatar offering support for his ex-teammates. He would end up having one of the best seats in the house for the thrilling final as Lionel Messi inspired his country to glory.

Messi gave his team the lead in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot before Angel Di Maria made it two in the 36th. It was all going swimmingly for Argentina until the 80th minute when Kylian Mbappe scored twice in 90 seconds to take the match to extra-time.

Once again, Messi thought he had done enough to win the World Cup for his country after bundling a rebounded effort home. But, Mbappe had other ideas, netting the equaliser from 12 yards to take the match to a shootout.

Emi Martinez’s mind games got the better of Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni as they missed their penalties before Gonzalo Montiel became the hero, scoring to finally see off the French. Post-match, after Messi, Julian Alvarez and co were given their chance to lift the trophy, Aguero was ushered forward to lift the World Cup on the podium.

City star Alvarez would not have the same impact on proceedings as he did against Croatia in the semi-finals but would last 103 minutes of the incredible final before being replaced by Lautaro Martinez. Unsurprisingly, he is expected to miss Thursday’s Carabao Cup last 16 tie against Liverpool on Thursday