Albion have a World Cup winner.
But Alexis Mac Allister went through the full range of emotions en route to glory today.
Argentina beat France on penalties after a stunning 3-3 draw.
The Albion midfielder was outstanding as he helped Argentina take a 2-0 lead.
He played a massive role in the second goal, finished by the recalled Angel Di Maria.
The holders spoiled the dream script by coming back to make it 2-2 and force extra-time.
It was 3-3 as the Seagulls star was substituted near the end of extra-time.
Mac Allister’s parents, girlfriend, other family members and close friends were watching in the stadium - as they have been throughout the tournament.
This is how a dramatic evening in Qatar - or afternoon in Brighton and Argentina - played out for Mac Allister.
Pre-game: Mac Allister walks out his customary fifth in line with Argentina.
1: Gets his first touch and is fouled.
5: He connects cleanly with a right-foot shot from 25 yards which goes straight at Lloris.
14: Sweeps a well-controlled pass out to Di Maria to spark an attack.
21: Well forward and involved in the move which leads to Di Maria forcing a penalty, from which Messi makes the breakthrough.
25: A slightly extravagant back-heeled pass amid the post-goal excitement gets his side momentarily having to tidy up. The next pass is kept simple.
30: Mac in the goalmouth is the target for a whipped-in Messi corner but Giroud heads away.
31: Links with Messi - but Di Maria then overhits his cross.
32: He again lets fly from 25 yards but this time his shot slices horribly across the pitch for a throw-in.
36: Team goal of the tournament? Mac Allister finds Messi, keeps running and takes a through pass from Alvarez. He is aware of Di Maria to his left and plays a perfect ball into his path for the second goal.
46: A bright start to the second half and Lloris is out sharply to grab a through ball ahead of Mac Allister.
50: Argentina are clearly keen to keep the intensity high.
63: Another hint of a chance after he is involved in great build-up play. But Upamecano just does enough to force the Albion man away from Messi’s pass.
64: Di Maria is replaced by the more defensive Acuna, changing the dynamic on the Argentina left.
66: He somehow takes the ball between two opponents - but a pass intended for Messi asks too much.
72: Combines with Acuna and expertly keeps possession and creates space before finding Messi.
80: France are thrown a lifeline by Mbappe’s penalty. It’s 2-1.
82: Mbappe volleys France level.
90+7: Still full of running as he charges forward in a move which ends with Lloris denying Messi.
93: Into extra-time and Mac Allister looks disappointed with himself as he shoots well wide.
102: He is calmed by the referee after showing his annoyance at being fouled.
105: Still keeping the ball and playing tidy short passes, he combines with Messi around the edge of the box before Martinez is denied by a block.
109: Messi puts Argentina ahead.
112: With very few cool heads around now, Mac Allister gets on the ball in midfield and keeps it.
126: A standing ovation for the Albion man as he makes way for defender Pezzella. He won't be involved in any penalty shoot out! France draw level moments later.
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