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It’s official, Argentina have beaten Croatia 3-0 at Lusail’s Iconic Stadium to claim a spot in the World Cup final on Sunday. They will soon find out who their opponents will be after Wednesday night’s semifinal match between France and Morocco.
In an aggressive game between two physical sides, Croatia played with tenacity and heart but were not strong enough to hold off Argentina.
Croatia, aiming to reach back-to-back finals after their 2018 heroics, were the better side during the opening half-hour but goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic brought down Alvarez as the Manchester City striker lifted the ball over him.
Livakovic was his country’s hero in the shootout wins over Japan and Brazil but he was left with no chance as Messi thumped his penalty into the top-right corner to join Kylian Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot leading scorer race.
Alvarez then tenaciously bundled his way through a scattered Croatia backline on the counter-attack to double the lead, and the two goal scorers combined delightfully in the 69th minute — Messi tormenting Josko Gvardiol with a winding dribble before teeing up Alvarez for his fourth of the tournament. And the whole game changed in that moment.
Just five minutes later, Alvarez demonstrated his persistence once again. A stunning run that began on his own goal line, picking up a pass from Messi in the Argentinian half, a straight-line run at a pace that meant he had no option but to go it alone. Three defenders to beat, and not one could touch him.
He got two lucky bounces as he closed in on the penalty area, then another to toe it past Livakovic in goal, doubling Argentina’s lead.
It seemed like Argentina only had two meaningful kicks in the first half, but they were enough to wrap the game up.
The second half picked up as the first left off, with Argentina in control.
In the 73rd minute, Messi picked up the ball on the left under challenge from Josko Gvardiol and pulled off another trademark run: with startling speed and control, he danced towards the box.
Gvardiol had no chance. Messi turned, jigged along the goal line, and passed it off for Alvarez to finish. Another special moment from probably the best player to ever play this game.
That is not to say Croatia made it easy for Messi’s men. Luka Modric did what he does best, commanding the midfield and leading by example. They worked hard and created occasional chances but lacked the ability to capitalise on those rare opportunities when they fell to them.
They will not be packing their bags just yet, however. Croatia will be back in action at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday for the third-place playoff.
Meanwhile, Argentina have a date with destiny on Sunday, back at Lusail’s Iconic Stadium.
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