Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez were on target as Argentina put on a clinical performance to beat Croatia 3-0 at full-capacity Lusail Stadium to book their spot in the final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Messi got the ball rolling from the penalty spot just past the half-hour mark for his fifth goal in Qatar to tie with Kylian Mbappe as the top scorers in the tournament. Alvarez extended the lead six minutes before the half time whistle and made it three in the 69th minute as Croatia crumbled to a devastating defeat.
This will be Messi’s second World Cup final for Argentina, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will hope to clinch the elusive trophy after falling short in 2014. On the other hand, Croatia failed to make it to back-to-back finals, losing to France four years ago in Russia.
“What I can say is I am enjoying this a lot. I am feeling good, and I feel strong to face every match,” Messi, who was named man of the match, told reporters.
“The previous match was a big sacrifice because of the extra time. Today we were tired, but we pulled our strength to earn this victory. We knew they (Croatia) would have the ball, and we would need to run. We prepared for this match in a very good way, and personally, I feel well in this World Cup, and luckily enough, I am able to help my team.” La Albiceleste will now wait for the winner between France and Morocco in the other semi-final to be played today at Al Bayt Stadium.
“The result does not reflect our superiority; we deserved to win,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
Julian Alvarez celebrates with Lionel Messi and Nahuel Molina after scoring Argentina’s third goal against Croatia, yesterday. REUTERS
“They played very well in the first few minutes. They have three midfielders who have been playing very well together. The feeling was they had the ball, but we read the game and played with our own style. We need to enjoy this historical moment, but that is it. We need to focus on the upcoming match,” he added.
Croatia had slayed World Cup favourites Brazil in the quarter-final thanks to their shootout prowess, but against Argentina, they faced a familiar foe, seeking revenge for their 3-0 thrashing in Russia.
The South Americans, who have recovered well from their shock opening day loss, started on the front foot as Nahuel Molina beat his defender for pace, but his cross flashed across the face of goal with Dominik Livakovic untroubled.
On the other end, Ivan Perisic sent in a cross, but Emi Martinez commandingly collected.
Croatia enjoyed possession early on with some crisp and intricate passing looking to carve open the Argentine defence, but the South Americans held firm.
Messi went down on the edge of the Croatian box off a pass from Alexis Mac Allister, but referee Daniele Orsato waved off his claims for a free kick.
Croatia almost got into trouble as a poor Dejan Lovren clearance fell to Messi, but his first touch let the PSG man down.
When it seemed Croatia were asserting their dominance, especially in midfield, Argentina broke away and worked the ball well down the left, but the resultant cross failed to find any white and blue stripe in the box.
Seconds later, Livakovic was tested, but the Croatian shot-stopper reacted quickly to push out Enzo Fernandez’s effort.
Luka Modric showed off some beautiful skill to get free of his markers, but the attack came to nothing as Argentina, on a swift counter, were awarded a penalty just past the hour mark. Croatia felt hard done by as they wanted a corner on the other end.
Argentina players celebrate after the match as Argentina progress to the final REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Referee Daniele Orsato judged Livakovic to have fouled Alvarez, who was clean on goal. Messi made no mistake from 12 yards, smashing his effort into the roof of the net to put the South Americans ahead.
Still recovering from the goal, Croatia went two down thanks to some schoolboy defending. Alvarez picked up the ball just past his half, outran his marker and benefited off several ricochets before Borna Sosa fluffed a clearance as the ball fell kindly for Alvarez to stab home from close range.
Almost immediately, the 22-year-old Alvarez could have made it three with a header, but Livakovic was alive to punch out.
An energized Croatia emerged for the second half as Zlatko Dalic ringed in the changes as Mislav Orsic replaced Sosa, while Nikola Vlasic came on for Mario Pasalic. A brief spell of possession for the Croatians ended in a wayward pass from Lovren, but on the other hand, Argentina also struggled to string passes together as the Europeans ended up with the ball again.
Argentina had the best chance for all of Croatia’s possessions as Messi shrugged off his marker to get a shot away, but Livakovic saved.
Croatia had a chance to pull one back, but Argentina managed to clear their lines as Martinez flapped at a dangerous ball into the box.
Argentina players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
As Croatia pushed for a goal, Argentina looked to exploit the open spaces, but they lacked the final ball to see off the 2018 finalists.
The two-time champions made it three in the 69th minute to put the game to bed as Messi produced a magical moment to set up Alvarez for his second.
The 35-year-old in vintage style beat Josko Gvardiol down the wing and turned the 20-year-old inside out before finding an unmarked Alvarez, who slotted home from 10 yards out.
Croatia looked bereft of ideas and collapsed after conceding the goal, resulting to long-range strikes. Regardless, Martinez ensured it remained blank for the Europeans with a good save from Perisic’s free kick.
Modric came off to warm applauses for what could be the veteran’s final game at the World Cup. The 37-year-old’s quality had been on display throughout the tournament.
A quick free kick almost resulted in the fourth goal for Argentina, but Mac Allister sent his volley just wide.
Croatia’s frustrating night in front of goal continued as Perisic flicked a set piece onto the path of Lovren, but the former Liverpool man couldn’t connect from close range as Argentina held on to clinch a thrilling win.
“We need to thank our players for everything they have done. We need to get back on our feet to play the third place,” Dalic said after the match.
“We did have ball possession, but we conceded a very suspicious goal. It was a little too cheap and easy (the penalty). We tried to go back, and they had another counter-attack, and it was done.”
