The 2022 FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar, was a tournament of firsts and lasts. It was the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world and the last to feature 32 teams. The tournament was also the last chance for many legendary players to lift the coveted trophy, adding an extra layer of emotion and intensity to every match. In this article, we'll take a look back at the unforgettable moments, the star players, and the controversies that defined the Last Football World Cup 2022.

A Tournament of Surprises and Upsets

The Last Football World Cup 2022 was full of surprises and upsets, proving that anything can happen on the world's biggest stage. One of the biggest shocks of the tournament came in the group stage when Saudi Arabia defeated eventual champions Argentina 2-1. The Green Falcons put on a defensive masterclass and took their chances in attack, stunning the world and giving their fans a moment they will never forget. Another major upset was Japan's victory over Germany, with the Blue Samurai coming from behind to win 2-1. Japan's organized defense and clinical finishing exposed Germany's vulnerabilities, sending shockwaves through the tournament. These unexpected results added to the excitement and drama of the World Cup, reminding us that even the biggest teams can be beaten on their day.

The underdog stories continued throughout the tournament, with teams like Morocco and South Korea exceeding expectations and making deep runs into the knockout stages. Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal along the way. Their resilient defense and tactical discipline frustrated some of the world's best attacking players, earning them the admiration of fans around the globe. South Korea also impressed, defeating Portugal in the group stage and reaching the round of 16. Their never-say-die attitude and team spirit made them a popular team to root for. These underdog stories highlighted the growing competitiveness of international football and the increasing opportunities for smaller nations to make their mark.

Of course, there were also some disappointments. Teams like Germany, Belgium, and Denmark failed to live up to expectations, exiting the tournament earlier than anticipated. Germany's struggles in front of goal and defensive vulnerabilities cost them dearly, while Belgium's aging squad looked past their best. Denmark, who had impressed at Euro 2020, struggled to replicate their form and were eliminated in the group stage. These disappointments served as a reminder of the high standards required to succeed at the World Cup and the importance of being at your best when it matters most.

The Stars Who Shined Brightest

The Last Football World Cup 2022 was also a showcase for some of the world's best players, with many stars shining brightly on the biggest stage. Lionel Messi finally won the trophy that had eluded him throughout his career, leading Argentina to victory with a series of dazzling performances. Messi scored seven goals and provided three assists, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. His magical dribbling, incisive passing, and clinical finishing were a joy to watch, and his victory was celebrated by fans around the world. At long last, Messi had completed football, solidifying his claim as the Greatest of All Time in many fans' eyes. For some, this cemented his GOAT status without question.

Kylian Mbappé also had a memorable tournament, scoring a hat-trick in the final and winning the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals. Mbappé's blistering pace, skillful footwork, and powerful finishing made him a nightmare for defenders, and his performances suggested that he could be the next superstar of world football. Despite his young age, Mbappé has already achieved so much in his career, and his future looks incredibly bright. He is just getting started, guys. Many have huge expectations for this player.

Other players who impressed at the World Cup included Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić, Brazilian forward Richarlison, and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Modrić, at the age of 37, defied his age with his tireless performances and creative passing, leading Croatia to a third-place finish. Richarlison scored some spectacular goals for Brazil, including a stunning bicycle kick against Serbia. Bounou was a rock in goal for Morocco, making several crucial saves and helping his team reach the semi-finals. These players demonstrated the quality and depth of talent on display at the World Cup, highlighting the global appeal of the beautiful game.

Controversies and Talking Points

Like every World Cup, the Last Football World Cup 2022 was not without its controversies and talking points. The decision to award the tournament to Qatar was met with criticism due to concerns about human rights and the country's climate. There were also controversies surrounding refereeing decisions, with some key moments being debated for days after the matches. These controversies sparked discussions about the future of the World Cup and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the sport.

One of the main controversies was the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), with some decisions being criticized for being inconsistent or unclear. VAR was introduced to help referees make more accurate decisions, but it has also led to delays and frustration among fans. Some argue that VAR has taken away from the spontaneity and flow of the game, while others believe that it is a necessary tool for ensuring fairness. The debate over VAR is likely to continue for years to come, as football authorities seek to find the right balance between technology and tradition.

Another talking point was the performance of the referees, with some officials being criticized for their handling of certain matches. In particular, there were complaints about the awarding of penalties and the use of yellow cards. Some fans felt that certain referees were biased or inconsistent in their decision-making, leading to accusations of unfairness. These criticisms highlighted the pressure and scrutiny that referees face at the World Cup, as well as the importance of having experienced and impartial officials in charge of the biggest games.

A Farewell to the 32-Team Format

The Last Football World Cup 2022 marked the end of an era, as it was the last tournament to feature 32 teams. From 2026 onwards, the World Cup will be expanded to 48 teams, giving more nations the opportunity to participate in the tournament. This expansion has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans welcoming the increased inclusivity and others fearing that it will dilute the quality of the competition. Only time will tell whether the expanded World Cup will be a success, but it is clear that the tournament is evolving to reflect the changing landscape of global football.

The expansion of the World Cup is intended to give more opportunities to smaller nations and promote the growth of football around the world. By increasing the number of participating teams, FIFA hopes to create a more competitive and inclusive tournament that reflects the diversity of the global game. However, there are also concerns that the expansion could lead to a decrease in the quality of matches, as some of the new teams may not be able to compete with the established powerhouses of football. It remains to be seen how the expanded World Cup will play out, but it is sure to be a fascinating experiment that will shape the future of the tournament.

Conclusion

The Last Football World Cup 2022 was a tournament full of unforgettable moments, star performances, and controversies. From the shocking upsets to the dramatic knockout matches, the World Cup provided excitement and entertainment for fans around the world. Lionel Messi's triumph with Argentina was the defining moment of the tournament, but there were many other stories and highlights that will be remembered for years to come. As we look ahead to the expanded World Cup in 2026, we can reflect on the Last Football World Cup 2022 with fondness and appreciation for the beautiful game.