France and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane limps off in World Cup final vs Argentina
Manchester United star Raphael Varane limped off in the 2022 World Cup final for France vs Argentina on Sunday (18 December) at Lusail Stadium, as per Manchester Evening News.
The 29-year-old started the game for Les Bleus. However, in the end, the South Americans lifted the prestigious trophy. But before the end of extra time, the former Real Madrid star was substituted.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate replaced Varane in the 113th minute. The 29-year-old was seen gingerly walking off on the sidelines after a foot race with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
Didier Deschamps’ team were second best for most of the match. Argentina took a two-goal lead into the break. Lionel Messi scored from the spot, while Angel Di Maria got La Albiceleste’s second.
However, the game turned on its head as France were awarded a penalty, which Kylian Mbappe subsequently converted in the 80th minute. The Paris Saint-Germain star found the back of the net a few seconds later once again to equalise.
Extra-time was not without its drama as Messi gave Argentina the lead once again. However, Mbappe was once again called upon to beat Emiliano Martinez from the spot in the 118th minute. However, in the end, Lionel Scaloni’s team won the game in the penalty shootout.
Varane and France were gunning for their second consecutive World Cup title. The 29-year-old had played a pivotal role for Les Bleus in 2018 as well as they got their hands on the golden trophy.
The United star was once again one of the best defenders of the tournament. However, it was his club teammate Lisandro Martinez who got to lift the prestigious trophy in Qatar.
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Hopefully, the two will return to Manchester fully fit. United will take on Burnley in the Carabao Cup next before the resumption of the Premier League on 27 December.
