World Cup 2022: Fans Jokingly Blame Varane’s Backside for France Loss

World Cup 2022: Fans Jokingly Blame Varane’s Backside for France Loss

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:20 PM
In this article:
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  • Raphael Varane has found himself on the receiving end for his role in Argentina's third goal during the World Cup final
  • The French star put Lautaro Martinez onside with his backside as Lionel Messi restored Argentina's lead
  • The extra time of the tie ended in a 3-3 draw before La Albiceleste won the clash 4-2 after an epic penalty shootout

A section of fans have jokingly blamed Raphael Varane for France's heartbreaking loss during the 2022 World Cup final.

France were hoping to successfully defend the crown after another brilliant run in Qatar that saw them reach the final of the tournament.

Les Bleus stunned Morocco in the semis to set up a crunch clash against Argentina in the final on Sunday, December 18, at Lusail Stadium.

Raphael Varane, France, FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, Argentina, Lusail Stadium, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Raphael Varane appear dejected during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium. Photo by Baptiste Fernandez.
Source: Getty Images

However, Didier Deschamps's men were unable to see off Messi's Argentina as they lost 4-2 in post-match penalties.

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The tie had to be decided via the shootouts after the tie ended in a 3-3 draw after the extra time.

Messi netted the opener from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute before Angel Di Maria doubled the advantage to ensure Argentina headed in the break with the advantage.

However, the South Americans were unable to protect the lead, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace in the second half to complete a stunning France comeback.

Varane blamed for Argentina's lead

Incredibly, Messi restored Argentina's lead shortly after the match went into extra time.

And Varane was blamed for the goal, with a section of fans joking that his backside was responsible for the goal.

According to The Sun, the goal was given after a tight offside call involving the Manchester United defender.

A VAR review also showed it was Varane that put Argentina's Lautaro Martinez for the goal to stand.

And fans were quick to use the moment to mock the Frenchman, with some joking it was his backside that put Martinez onside.

One posted:

"Love how Varane’s backside was used as the offside line for that graphic."

Another joked:

"Varane’s bum winning Argentina a World Cup."

While a third noted:

"Varane’s bum really cost a whole nation."

Theoretically, had Messi's goal not stood, then Mbappe's third goal of the match could have won France the title.

Varane, Martinez share special moment

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both featured during the 2022 World Cup final.

The two were on opposing sides of the international divide during the Sunday cracker, with Martinez featuring for Argentina.

However, they still managed to put their rivalry aside in dramatic scenes after the final whistle.

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Fred Kennedy
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