Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? It was the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France. With the score tied at 3-3 and 123 minutes on the clock, Randal Kolo Muani had a golden opportunity to either shoot or pass to an open Kylian Mbappe. Ultimately, he chose to shoot but was denied by Emiliano Martinez, costing France the World Cup and leaving the ex-Nantes striker still haunted by this miss. However, Kolo Muani has recently spoken out against his critics, defending his decision not to pass by stating ‘it was impossible.’

During an interview with Onze Mondial, Randal Kolo Muani reflected on this World Cup moment with deep regret. Initially expressing remorse over that crucial moment, he then took a moment to defend his actions under pressure-cooker conditions. Pertinently responding against criticism pointed towards him for failing to make a strategic pass, he stated, “People say: ‘He could have given it to Kylian.’ First of all, Kylian has never mentioned that action to me again,” said the 25-year-old assertively.

He went further on record, stating, “And at the time, it was impossible to do. Soccer isn’t played with slow-motion replays, only VAR could have seen that…” Soccer is undeniably a fast-paced game with numerous factors to consider on the field. It is evident that Kolo Muani’s perspective is rooted in this reality.

Nonetheless, if it weren’t for Emiliano Martinez’s save, the match likely would not have gone into penalties. And Lionel Messi and Argentina may not have emerged as the champions of the World Cup. It was undeniably bittersweet for Kylian Mbappe, as his significant contribution to scoring three goals fell short of securing victory. On the other hand, Kolo Muani believes that this particular moment will forever define his career.

Randal Kolo Muani still ‘disgusted’ with his missed pass to Kylian Mbappe

Over several past interactions, the PSG striker has expressed remorse about not passing to Kylian Mbappe, while missing out on the pivotal strike. He asserts if things had transpired differently, it could have potentially been a transformative episode in his life; however, now he resonates with a sentiment stating, “I’ll always be the guy who missed the face-off in the World Cup final.”

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In the same interview, Muani added, “That’s for life. Even when my career’s over, people will still talk to me about it. Of course, I’m still disgusted by that, miss.” The remorse associated with failing to seize the coveted gold for one’s homeland is unparalleled. Thus, we are left little room but to conclude that Kolo Muani continues grappling with its ramifications.

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What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.