Argentina Defeats Croatia In The World Cup Semi Finals
Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to advance to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi playing a key role in the triumph.
ARGENTINA DEFEATS CROATIA IN THE WORLD CUP SEMIFINALS THANKS TO LIONEL MESSI’S WIZARDRY.
MESSI OPEN THE PENALITY
Argentina’s all-time greatest goal scorer at World Cup finals, Messi, opened the scoring with a powerfully hit penalty on minute 34. Minutes later, Alvarez finished a direct solo move through the centre of Croatia’s defence and tapped in to increase Argentina’s lead just before halftime.
With the help of Messi’s trademark run, which saw him slip past Josko Gvardiol and then pass the ball back to Alvarez for an easy goal, the team’s third goal was added by Alvarez.
Argentina, who has won the World Cup twice (1978 and 1986), will play either France or Morocco in the championship game on Sunday.
MESSI’s STATMENT
“It has been amazing everything we have seen and done throughout the World Cup. We will receive the outcome we desired, “added Messi.
“I’m not sure if this World Cup is the best one for me. I haven’t had fun with it in a very long time. This group is insane. We’ll play another final soon. Everything will be fun for us.”
WITH 25 GAMES , MOST APPARANCE IN FIFA
With 25 games played, Messi’s starting lineup equaled Lothar Matthaus of Germany for the most World Cup appearances.
As they did against Brazil in the quarterfinals, Croatia sought out early possession and moved the ball well, but they had trouble getting into his area following Argentina’s penalty. When Dominik Rybakovi of Croatia fouled Alvarez in the penalty area and Messi converted, Argentina had the finest opportunity to grab the lead. However, the best was yet to come when Alvarez intercepted Messi’s pass in his own half, ran 50 metres, and then, with the help of two fortunate jumps and shoddy Croatian defending. Snuck into the box to score the second goal.
Rybakovic, who led Croatia to the semi-finals in shootouts against Japan and Brazil. It was able to stop Alexis Mack Allister’s header just before half-time to end the match 45 minutes later.
However, unlike when they faced favorites Brazil in extra time, this time Croatia did not come from behind. Argentina didn’t want to blow a two-goal lead like they had against the Netherlands in the last eight. So they made no room for error.
3RD GOAL IN 69TH MINUTES BY ALVAREZ
In the 69th minute, Alvarez ended any last Croatian hopes. That by converting a cutback after Messi evaded defender Gvardiol on the right to find his colleague in the area, who successfully eliminated Croatia from the tournament.
Messi continued, “We have experienced some difficult times, as well as some very positive ones. “We are witnessing something amazing today. “I’m having fun with everyone here and with all the Argentinians visiting us. I suppose it must be insane.
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