Sports
After 36 Years, Argentina Win First World Cup
Argentina have won their first World Cup in 36 years and some months after defeating France 4-2 (3–3 after extra time) in a penalty shoot-out to win the World Cup for the third time in Qatar on Sunday.
The match ended 2-2 after 90 minutes but Lionel Messi poked in a goal to put Argentina 3-2 ahead in the 108th minute before Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick two minutes before the end of extra-time.
READ ALSO: List Of World Cup Winners
This is Argentina’s third World Cup trophy from six final appearances in history after defeating defending champions France to win the biggest prize in men’s football – with the legend himself getting on the scoresheet twice.
Argentina last won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 and lost in the final three times, but Messi has finally broken the jinx in Qatar.
In a match dominated by attention on Messi and Kylian Mbappé of France, it was Messi’s experience that ruled the day.
Mbappé also netted twice in two minutes late in the second half to force extra time, before completing a World Cup Final hat-trick in the extra period to force the shoot-out.
Mbappé became just the second man in World Cup history to score a hat-trick in the final after Geoff Hurst in 1966 and won the Golden Boot for top goalscorer (8 goals), but ended up on the losing end.
Messi’s double saw him finish the tournament with seven goals and signed off from his World Cup career with a medal.
En route to the final, Lionel Scaloni’s men recovered quickly from their shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening group game before bouncing back, to beat Mexico 2-0 and Poland 2-0 and top Group C.
READ ALSO: Qatar 2022: Mbappe Wins Golden Boot Award
A 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16, survived a penalty shootout against the Netherlands and thrashed 2018 runners-up Croatia 3-0 in the semi-final to reach the final.
It’s been a remarkable World Cup campaign so far for Argentina and Messi.
Messi has now scored 26 goals in major international tournaments for Argentina with 13 World Cup goals, and 13 Copa América goals, to become the most of any South American player in history across the two competitions, overtaking Ronaldo who had 25 goals.
Sports
EPL: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso
Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.
According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.
Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.
READ ALSO:EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City
The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.
However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.
Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.
Sports
EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make
Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.
Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.
“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.
READ ALSO: EPL: Why I Rejected €200m Offer To Leave Man Utd – Bruno Fernandes
“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”
Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.
Sports
EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season
Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.
“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.
READ ALSO: EPL: Why I Rejected €200m Offer To Leave Man Utd – Bruno Fernandes
“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”
Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.
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