Messi makes history, Mbappe takes step towards greatness

It was a night full of anticipation, excitement and adrenaline rush moments as Argentina locked horns with defending champions, France in this year's World Cup Final 2022 in Qatar. It was not just a final between two heavyweights, but one that Argentina took it personally since day one to help bring the World glory back to their homeland, and all that for one purpose, to ensure Messi completes the missing trophy in his highly illustrious and decorated cabinet. 

It was all to play for, and rightfully, the Argentinians started the match brightly and took the French players to school since the first whistle, dominating from front to back, leaving the Frenchmen with minimal control of the ball, and most importantly, keeping the young superstar, Kylian Mbappe very quiet. 

Angel Di Maria was dominating the left wing and earned a penalty in the 22nd minute after being brought down by Dembele. The man of the moment, Messi, converted from the spot and blew the roofs of the Lusail stadium full of France and Argentina faithful. 

France looked dull and they were barely seen comfortable with the ball and things only got worse after Argentina worked out an excellent string of passes that led to their second goal scored by Di Maria on the 36th minute. 

It was not even half time and the reigning champions were already fading away hopelessly. Didier Deschamps made two changes by bringing in Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram in place of Giroud and Dembele. 

Argentina took the 2-0 lead through half time and still had the upper hand at least until the 80th minute when Kolu Muani won the race to win the bouncing ball with Otamendi, which resulted in the Argentine right back to commit a foul inside the penalty box. 

France just needed one chance, and Mbappe stepped up and nailed the perfect penalty past Martinez, who went the right way, but the power and pace was enough to get past the big goalkeeper. 

No time to celebrate, Mbappe quickly picked up the ball from inside the net and the game restarted. In the space of just 70 seconds, the French magician once again proved why he's the real deal after working out a spectacular one-two with Thuram before firing in a ferocious volley to draw the match at 2-2. 

Celebrations were wild because to those who witnessed the game from the start, there's no chance France was going to pull an absolute rabbit from a hat because Argentina displayed pure dominance and it looked as though the script of a 'Messi to lift the World Cup' was written and ready to be published until Mbappe had different ideas. 

France, who had zero number of shots on and off target in the first half, were looking far from their usual best. The hopes of retaining the trophy were fading, but you just can't write them off, especially when you have a world-class talent like Mbappe. 

Match ended 2-2 in normal time and the game was dragged to extra time. Argentina slowed down after conceding the equaliser. France slowly picked up pace and were dominating, and their momentum rose even higher after Deschamps introduced the likes of Camavinga and Coman, who offered more strength and speed. 

In a match of such nature, anything was possible, and either team just needed the right chance to finish off what will go down as one of the finals ever played in the history of the World Cup!

The right moment came, and it had to be for Messi, who caught the French defense napping early in the start of the first half of extra time. 

Messi took the script to himself and wrote a line that would see Argentina lift their third World Cup after finishing from close range. 

Again, Kylian Mbappe came to the rescue after earning the second penalty for his team deep into the second half of extra time. The calmness of a veteran, Mbappe completes the hat-rick and single-handedly gave France a glimpse of hope of retaining the trophy. 

Martinez vs Lloris. Clearly, the animated Emi has the edge over sloppy Lloris in penalties. And finally, the script was written for Messi and team as Argentina won 4-2 in penalties after Coman and Tchouameni missed from the spot kick. 

It was a final that had it all, but in the end, the grandest of stage was meant for Messi to complete his missing trophy and possibly, putting an end to the long-time GOAT debate with Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner finally is a World Champion. 

He surely has done the late Great Maradona proud by bringing home the World glory. 

What Messi has done in his footballing career so far is quite exceptional, and adding this latest achievement surely is worth of a book to shout out about. 

But let's not forget Mbappe. What an 'amazing force of nature he is' - as quoted by the poetic commentator, Peter Drury. My idol after Martin Tyler and Andy Gray. Peter makes football so much exciting to watch and what a pick by FIFA for the final last night. 

Mbappe is a force to be reckoned, and he has proven it multiple times in the past, especially in the last World Cup where France beat Croatia 4-1. This time, although he had put a tremendous Kylian show, but it proved to be so near yet so far. 

Messi fans, it's time to celebrate. Enjoy this moment. Congratulations Argentina.  

New boys Haaland and Nunez off to a flying start in the new campaign

Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez didn't take long to make their mark in the Premier League after each scored in their debut matches over the weekend at the start of the new 2022/2023 campaign. 

Liverpool played a tough 2-2 draw with a stubborn Fulham at Craven Cottage in an early kick-off on Saturday afternoon, in which Nunez was brought on in the second half, replacing Roberto Firmino to score a spectacular goal, courtesy of an assist by Salah. 

Despite starting the game strong, Liverpool trailed 1-0 in the first half after Fulham's big, strong striker, Mitrovic, wrestled off Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold for a well-headed goal. In my opinion, Trent could possibly have jumped higher to give Mitrovic a challenge to deny the Serbian a clear-cut chance of finding the net. 

There's so much Allison could do because Mitrovic's header had some real pace before travelling past the Brazillian goalkeeper. 

Luis Diaz was clearly the busiest among the front three in the first half as Salah and Firmino were unusually quiet by their standards. The Colombian missed a chance to give Liverpool an early lead after seeing his shot from the left flank hit the crossbar. 

Bobby Firmino is still a strong favourite in Klopp' list and as claimed, the Brazillian is very much involved in the German's long-term plan moving forward, but his performances of late have proved otherwise. 

The once upon time Bobby Dazzler, a nickname he gained for his skill moves, quick feet and intelligent finishing, is slowly seeing a dip in form. 

But there's no denying that Firmino is still one of the key players in Klopp's line-up because believe it or not, there are very few players who can make football look so easy at times, and he's right up there. He is also a fan favourite, so there's no way Klopp could possibly even imagine dropping him from the squad. 

Another player the fans were eagerly waiting to see was Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan was brought on in the second half in place of Firmino, and he didn't take long to get off the mark after equalizing in style through a flying backheel goal. 

Liverpool thought they could go on and win the game and get the next goal until Mitrovic scored from the spot kick after he was brought down by Van Dijk inside the penalty box. 

Not only it is rare to hear Van Dijk give away penalties but to get himself dribbled past is also an unusual phenomenon. I was shell-shocked when Van Dijk committed himself. There were discussions that Mitrovic could have possibly dived but VAR showed that the big Dutchman did touch the Serbian in the process. 

Liverpool were on the brink of defeat with only 10 minutes left to play but guess who stepped up when it matters again? Mohammed Salah! 

Salah had a quiet 90 minutes, but his equaliser to rescue Liverpool a point was good enough to prove how important he is for the team. Salah tapped in from close range after Nunez assisted him inside the penalty box. 

Clearly, this Liverpool side is missing Sadio Mane. The Senegalese star was a massive hit at the kop and often comes to the rescue in times of need. The Salah-Mane link-up will be missed but Nunez looks promising. 

Nunez was criticised during pre-season friendlies as he failed to convert some clear goalscoring chances but he has certainly proved his resilience and worth since scoring in the Community Shield against Manchester City last weekend. 

He's hungry and wants to win the ball and score goals. That's what Liverpool needs, and that's why the Reds shouldn't and won't miss Mane's absence because Nunez has shown us all that he can fill in the gap and deliver what the team requires out of him. 

Overall, Liverpool's performance could have been better if they had converted the chances they had. Another worry was to see Thiago being substituted due to an injury. 

While Nunez is considered a strong candidate for the Golden Boot at the end of the season, here's a reminder that he's got competition in Manchester City's new boy, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has arrived too, and he has a 2-1 lead against Nunez after scoring a brace against West Ham United in the final match of the weekend last night. 

Regular penalty takers are usually Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez, but Haaland was given the green light to convert after winning the spot kick all by himself in the first half. 

Also, the team thought it would be a fitting way for him to introduce himself by getting on the scoresheet. Calm and composed as a veteran striker, the boyhood City fan scored and hit his famous meditation pose. 

City dominated the majority of the game. West Ham looked exposed and lost their confidence after losing their number one, Fabianski through injury. Areola, who stepped in, got off to a bad start after conceding the penalty. 

Haaland's second goal came after West Ham's back four were completely exposed, leaving the Norwegian with no one to fight with except a helpless Areola. 

A much-deserved win for Pep's side but it's just the first game. We have 37 to go, and anything can happen in the remaining games. 

City won, Liverpool drew. What about Erik ten Hag's United? New season, new players, new manager, but same old United? Or is it too early to say anything? Yes, United lost 2-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford. 

Drink that in folk. I think most of the Manchester United fans would agree that until and when United make some serious changes in their defensive line-up, they have to get used to seeing winless results. 

Ronaldo and Varane were benched, and God knows why. Ten Hag, this is not the Dutch league, this is the English Premier League, where teams like Brighton plays like Barcelona and can cause upsets. 

Ronaldo's decision to return to England was probably one he wish he never made. Harry Maguire is still the captain and starts. I thought someone as influential as ten Hag would make changes many fans were wishing for, but it looks like he is going to remain. 

It is time ten Hag makes the right move and make the fans happy by making sure his team delivers. 

Spurs beat City, title race wide open!

Manchester City losing at the Etihad is a very unpopular sight considering the fortress of a squad they have, but Tottenham Hotspur had other ideas when they visited the Blues last night for one of the best matches we have witnessed thus far in the season. 

Harry Kane, who was previously rumoured for a move to the Manchester club, caused Pep and his team misery and pain after scoring twice in the second half to clinch a famous 2-3 victory over City. 

Kane, who certainly wasn't in his best form last season and the start of this term, deservingly claimed the man of the match (MOTM) title after putting on one his best performances throughout his footballing career. 

From the get-go, Kane was blistering in attack and the way he contained the ball showed us glimpses of the kind of top top player he is. The moment he released Son, who stood his ground and timed his run perfectly without being caught offside, you knew Spurs were set to steal the lead. 

Son is always a threat, especially when you give him the freedom to sprint freely, which he did after being squared by Kane, and it did not end there, as he had more work to do. 

So unselfishly, he assisted new boy Dejan Kulusevski from the left flank, and the lad squeezed past between the legs of Cancelo to make it 1-0. 

City defenders had to take it on the chin for committing numbers for the first goal. Dias and Laporte were exposed, leaving only Cancelo to cover, but the clever finish by Kulusevski was enough to put Spurs in front. 

City equalised late before half-time through a well-taken goal by their captain, Gundogan. 

Spurs defended for their lives, and they refused to concede a second goal. 

Etihad was stunned for the second time last night after Kane had restored the lead for Spurs in the 59th minute. 

Later, the men in white thought they had extended their lead after Kane found the net past the 70th minute mark, only to have it ruled out after Kulusevski found himself offside before assisting the English man. 

Deep into 90 minutes, City earned themselves a penalty after Romero had handled the ball, courtesy of a Bernando Silva's cross. 

Mahrez stepped up and nailed in an absolute thunderbolt, leaving Lloris with little chance or none although he went the right way. 

Just when you think City, who had dominated the game thoroughly, were safely stepping out with a point, but it was not the case as Spurs refused to leave with a draw. 

Kulusevski, this time, with an inch perfect run after being released by Bentancur, put in a top-notch cross to find Kane, who was lurking and came up big against his fellow countryman, Kyle Walker, to head in the stoppage time winner in the 94th minute. 

As much as Spurs needed that goal to win and climb the ladder to stand a chance in the top four, Liverpool fans had the final dance as the win had blown the title race wide open. 

Earlier, Liverpool faced Norwich and went through a tough test after falling behind early in the second half through a deflected goal. 

In the past, Liverpool have so often left it late to take home maximum points, and the call was alarming once again yesterday. 

They showed great character and pulled one back through Sadio Mane before Mo Salah gave them the lead within two minutes after the first goal. The Red press, at the end, was too much for Norwich to take, and they sealed the win after Henderson's through pass found Luis Diaz, who went on to bag his first goal for Liverpool after his big money move from Porto during the January transfer window. 

Six points behind leaders City, with a game in hand, Liverpool have all the rights to still stay in title race. What seemed like one-horse race, has now turned into a two-horse race, unless Chelsea show good interests as well. 

Liverpool fans, brace yourselves. We are up for a narrow end to the season. YNWA!

The 'Magician' that should have stayed

He could have seen himself wrestling with the top boys for the annual Ballon d'Or Award if he had denied the big money move (estimated euro 160 million) to FC Barcelona from Liverpool in 2017. 

Philippe Coutinho, 30, had a shining start in his early days for Italian giants, Inter Milan, before sealing a move to the Merseyside club in 2013, for an estimated euro 8 million. 

The Brazilian was quick, tricky, skillful and super deadly not only in front of goal, but he was a nightmare for defenders and goalkeepers even from a distance. Naturally a right-footed attacking midfielder, Coutinho, who is also popularly known as the 'Magician' in world football, was a master with his left foot and could play in any given attacking role. 

He was one of the best signings former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had made during his tenure at the club, and Coutinho didn't take long to adapt to the English game, and although he did not pocket as many goals as expected, he remained a key player in the Liverpool squad ever since joining them. 

Bossing the midfield, especially sprinting upfront and playing a crucial role in Liverpool's goals was one of Coutinho's trademark. What more can you expect from a Brazilian player who had it all? He was literally on cloud nine on his heydays for Liverpool, and he only matured and became increasingly important for the squad as days went on. 

In the 2013/2014 top-flight season, Liverpool went very close to ending their 30-year wait for the English Premier League title, in which the fire was rekindled from the start of the season, only to see it re-extinguished right at the end as Manchester City nicked it with a 2-point difference. Coutinho was a major part of the short-lived triumph, joining the then star-studded squad which consists of the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and others. 

When Klopp took over and transformed Liverpool into a heavyweight European team, a title very familiar for them many years ago, the German had the opportunity to work with Coutinho and continued to start him in matches and regarded him as a crucial asset to the club. 

During Klopp's early managerial start at Liverpool, Coutinho proved his caliber and scored twice in Liverpool's famous 4-3 victory over bitter rivals, Arsenal in the 2016/2017 season. One was a simple tap in but the other was a stunning free-kick from outside the box. 

Despite having signed a five-year contract with the Merseyside club with no release clause which would keep him at the club until 2022, the Brazilian already started attracting interest from Spanish giant, Barcelona. 

Although talks were held, Liverpool rejected Barca's initial bids until a bigger sum was put on the table, and the deal was agreed in early 2018. 

As a Liverpool fan, it was really hard to see him depart, especially for being such a key member of the squad, scoring wonders and making headlines in countless games. Reality had hit us, the fans, really hard. 

Klopp sent out a reminder to the lad, saying that if he stays, a statue will be built for him, but none of those words helped him stay. Coutinho, during his spell at Liverpool, scored 54 goals in all competitions. 

Playing for FC Barcelona or Real Madrid is a dream for any player, but question is, do you see yourself fitting into such a competitive dressing room? Coutinho was tipped as a top player at Liverpool and was a regular started, but it was never the case at Barcelona when he had the likes of Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and others biting on his neck for a start. 

At Barcelona, the Brazilian netted only 17 goals in all competitions, and when loaned to FC Bayern Munich in the 2019/2020 season, he scored 8 goals for the German club. The statistics have clearly indicated that Coutinho struggled to find his top form, only to see himself loaned out to Aston Villa in the Premier League. 

Aston Villa that is currently being managed by a former Red, ex-Liverpool talisman, Steven Gerrard, grasped the opportunity and has landed Coutinho. 

Gerrard, as claimed, has always been a top fan of Coutinho as both have played alongside during their days at Liverpool, and he has regarded the Brazilian as a true 'Magician', and that the title is not one that any player can attain.

The English Premier League will look set to welcome the former Liverpool number 10 to Villa Park when Aston Villa hosts Manchester United this weekend. Even if Coutinho doesn't start the match, which very likely he might not, I hope he will at least be on the bench and be given some minutes in the later part of the game. 

Defenders, be scared, be real scared.