Argentina clinch the World Cup after beating France on penalties
The national team could teach its politicians a lesson
THEY BEGAN the World Cup by losing to Saudi Arabia, one of the least fancied teams in the tournament. Argentina’s footballers ended it as champions, beating France, the holders, in a penalty shoot-out after a thrilling 3-3 draw. When Gonzalo Montiel drove home the decisive spot-kick, millions of Argentines streamed onto Avenida 9 de Julio, in the centre of Buenos Aires, setting off firecrackers, chanting songs, and honking car horns. La selección, as the national team is known, took home Argentina’s third cup, and the first in 36 years.
This article appeared in the The Americas section of the print edition under the headline “Lessons from Messi”
From the December 24th 2022 edition
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