Angel Di Maria bursts into tears on pitch after scoring for Argentina

Angel Di Maria burst into tears after scoring Argentina’s second goal in the World Cup final against France. The 34-year-old tapped home from Alexis Mac Allister’s excellent squared ball and could not contain his emotions in the aftermath

Di Maria was Argentina’s sole change going into the final, replacing Leandro Paredes from the side that beat Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals. It was his first start in the knockout stages but Lionel Scaloni decided to utilise the player’s experience in the biggest game in world football and he more than repaid his manager’s faith. 

The winger was fouled for the penalty which was converted by Lionel Messi for the opening goal of the game. However, his most notable contribution came in the 36th minute as he found the net after Mac Allister’s magnificent ball across the six-yard box. 

Di Maria could not contain his emotions afterwards and TV cameras picked him up in floods of tears after celebrating. His goal put the South Americans in complete control of the match as they sought their first World Cup win since 1986. 

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“They’re just dominating all parts of the game, Argentina have been fantastic,” he said. “The French are losing every battle, sloppy in possession, physically they don’t look at it and Argentina hunting in packs.

“You talk about the desire to win a football match, Argentina are showing that, France are champions for a reason, they need the next goal then it’s game on. Argentina were 2-0 up against Holland and they came back so we need France to score the next goal, Argentina brilliant.”