The Penalty Controversy:
Throughout the tournament, Argentina was awarded a remarkable 5 penalties, accounting for 21.7% of all penalties given in the World Cup 2022. This statistic alone raises eyebrows, leading many to wonder if something was amiss.
Louis van Gaal’s Concerns:
Louis van Gaal, the former coach of the Netherlands national team, voiced his concerns about the tournament. He questioned the fairness of the way Argentina scored goals compared to his team. He hinted at possible manipulation, suggesting that Messi had to be the World Cup champion.
Argentina’s Performance:
Argentina scored 14 goals in the World Cup, with four of them coming from penalties converted by Messi. However, Messi also missed a crucial penalty in the group stage against Poland, which Wojciech Szczesny saved. In contrast, the Netherlands scored 10 goals in the tournament, none of which were from penalties.
Van Gaal’s Unsuccessful History:
Van Gaal, who twice led the Netherlands in World Cup campaigns, suffered defeat at the hands of Argentina on both occasions, in the 2014 semifinals and the 2022 quarterfinals. His last match as a coach ended in disappointment in Qatar.
Following this match, Van Gaal resigned and has not coached another team since. He had helped the Dutch team remain undefeated for 20 consecutive matches, excluding penalty shootouts. On August 9th, Van Gaal underwent surgery for prostate cancer, but he stated that he was feeling healthier.
The Penalty Discrepancy:
Argentina’s tally of penalties in the World Cup 2022 was the highest, more than double that of the second-placed team, Portugal, and France. No other team scored more than one penalty. After the quarterfinal match, Messi taunted Van Gaal and Dutch forward Wout Weghorst, further fueling the controversy.
Bruno Fernandes’ Outrage:
Bruno Fernandes, a star player for Portugal, expressed his frustration with the refereeing during their quarterfinal loss to Morocco. He raised concerns about the nationality of the referees and their familiarity with high-paced matches. Fernandes also questioned the presence of Argentine referees in the tournament.
Assessing the Tournament:
Many football enthusiasts and even a well-known individual raised doubts about the 2022 World Cup’s fairness. They pointed out the favorable circumstances that seemed to pave the way for Argentina, especially in terms of penalties awarded.
Analyzing Argentina’s Journey:
Taking a closer look at Argentina’s journey, they arrived at the 2022 World Cup with an impressive 36-match unbeaten streak. However, they relied heavily on the brilliance of Lionel Messi to navigate their way through the tournament. When Messi was closely marked, Argentina needed a dynamic forward like Julian Alvarez to step up.
Argentina’s Tactical Adaptations:
Argentina showed flexibility by adapting their tactics when necessary. In matches where ball control was challenging, they shifted to a three-man defense. Coach Scaloni’s tactical acumen was evident in their strategic adjustments.
Facing France:
The final against France presented a unique challenge. France boasted a dynamic midfield and the talents of Kylian Mbappe. Argentina had to devise a plan to contain them and exploit their weaknesses.
Key Factors for Argentina:
Messi and Angel Di Maria formed a formidable partnership on the right flank, exploiting gaps in France’s defense. Di Maria’s ability to create goal-scoring opportunities was crucial. The combination of Messi and Di Maria could unlock France’s defense.
As we assess the controversies surrounding the 2022 World Cup and Argentina’s journey to victory, it’s essential to keep an open mind. While questions about penalties and refereeing decisions persist, Argentina showcased tactical adaptability and the brilliance of its star players. The World Cup is a complex and emotional tournament, and debates will continue. In the end, it was a tournament filled with excitement, surprises, and moments of brilliance that will be remembered for years to come.
Ultimately, the 2022 World Cup will be remembered for both its moments of football brilliance and the discussions it sparked about the integrity of the game. Whether or not there was any manipulation behind the scenes, the truth may remain elusive. But what is clear is that the world of football will continue to debate, analyze, and cherish the memories of this historic tournament.
Final Thoughts:
The 2022 World Cup was undoubtedly a captivating tournament, filled with thrilling moments, incredible goals, and heart-stopping matches. Argentina’s journey to the title was marked by remarkable performances and Messi’s undeniable brilliance. However, the controversy surrounding the number of penalties awarded to Argentina raises legitimate questions about the tournament’s fairness.
