[S I M T A N]

Not really a surprised result lah.

If you check all the previous record of France vs Argentina matches most their results tend to be either a draw or a very closed victory one. So this WC result ish not really out of the ordinary.

True, the match wasn’t exactly a classic final overall, what with the scrappy game in the first half marred by frequent stoppages for numerous fouls committed by both sides and with many fans crying foul over a questionable decision by the ref in the 22nd minute to award a penalty to Argentina.

The game, however, came alive in the second period of regulation time with thrilling end-to-end forays into opposing penalty areas. The extra-time battle and the ensuing penalty shoot-out continued to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
 
I am at one with you that games these days among top-tier sides are hotly and closely contested. The modern game is getting more physical. With good teamwork and technical skills and cohesiveness, and with opposing forwards closely marked and given little opportunities to score, the game is very close and goes right down to the wire.
 
That’s where the ability to convert penalties can make or break a team’s goal. In football, a team won’t lose if it doesn’t concede, but equally it can’t win if it doesn’t score. That might only get it draws. In the circumstances, it can win a contest if its players are collectively good at kicking the ball into the back of the net in a make-or-break shoot-out, as penalty kick specialists like Croatia have demonstrated.