Argentina won the World Cup in dramatic fashion beating France in what was arguably one of the greatest finals of all time. Lionel Messi and co. beat the 2018 Champions on penalties after it had ended 3-3 in extra time.
Argentina led the contest with two early goals in the first half but a quickfire Kylian Mbappe double ten minutes from time meant the game would go to extra time. Messi gave his side a 3-2 lead but Mbappe responded yet again with his second penalty of the night to restore parity 2 minutes before the end.
However, it was the South American side who prevailed in the shootout thanks to Emiliano Martinez’s heroics.
Telemundo calls the winning spot kick
Telemundo’s Andres Cantor who was commentating during the final couldn’t hold back his emotions as Gonzalo Montiel stepped up to score his spot kick that gave the Albiceleste their third World Cup title, their first since 1986.
Cantor who was born in Buenos Aires, shed tears of joy following Argentina’s epic triumph. The 59-year-old has been covering the World Cup since 1990 and his iconic ‘GOOOOOOOOLLLLL’ pronouncement has become a household narrative amongst American viewers.
Tears of joy
Cantor, grabbing onto his broadcast partner broke down in tears shouting, “ARGENTINA CAMPEON DE MUNDO!” that translates to “Argentina, champions of the World.”
Cantor’s call has gone on to become viral in social media and one that would go down in history to immortalize the occasion of Lionel Messi finally fulfilling his dream to win the biggest trophy in World Football.
The Argentine born commentator joined NBC’s broadcast team for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and has become an asset for both English and Spanish broadcast covering major events across the globe.
Translated to English, Cantor’s heartfelt words were, “GOOOOOOAL, Argentina is the champion. Argentina is the world champion. Argentina is the WORLD CHAMPION. From the sky they did it.
You guys did it, players. They won the sky. Argentina is the world champion. Messi is the world champion. It couldn’t be any other way. Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s Argentine selection is the world champion. Argentina. Argentina is the world champion. 36 years, waiting. Argentina, Argentina is the world champion.”
Photo credit: IMAGO / Focus Images
Guide to World Cup 2022
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $7.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season