Qatar 2022: Argentina Qualifies For World Cup Final After Beating Croatia 3-0

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Two goals by striker Julian Alvarez and a Lionel Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday.

Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later.

Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence…

Alvarez himself was on hand to double Argentina’s lead five minutes after having wriggled his way through the Croatian defence and was further aided after a misstep by Borna Sosa, as he made it 2-0.

Despite enjoying a two-goal lead at the start of the first half, Argentina were not willing to take their feet off the pedal.

A moment of brilliance from Messi again saw him getting past the Croatian defenders before laying a pass to Alvarez who tucked in for his second goal of the night and effectively sealed the final ticket for Argentina.

While this is the sixth time Argentina are making it to the final, it is the second time Messi is leading the South American side this far having also done the same in 2014.

Messi and his Argentina teammates will know on Wednesday who their final opponents will be between France and Morocco who will be battling it out in the second semi-final.

Both Argentina and Croatia came into Tuesday’s semi-final contest on the back of energy-sapping wins over Netherlands and Brazil.

The two games were decided via penalty shootouts.

Understandably, Argentina and Croatia were both relying on veteran legends Messi and Luka Modric who could be playing their final tournaments.

The Croatians dominated the early proceedings but with no clear-cut chances.

Argentina’s moment came in the 34th minute when they won a penalty kick which was expertly converted by Messi.

Before the Croatians could adjust to being one goal down, they were hit with the second by Alvarez.

Though some were expecting Modric and his teammates to draw inspiration from the Netherlands and muster a comeback, it was never to be as Argentina added a third in the 69th minute.

Having lost their opening game against Saudi Arabia but picking up to reach the final, Argentina may just become the second team after Spain to lose their World Cup opener and still go on to win the top prize.