World Cup Round-Up (Semi-Finals Day 1) – Argentina Beat Croatia to Reach Sixth WC Final

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The primary semi-final of the 2022 World Cup befell on Tuesday. In entrance of 88,000 followers at Lusail Stadium, Argentina booked their place within the showpiece with a dominant 3-0 victory over Croatia.

As anticipated, Lionel Messi was the star of the present – scoring and helping within the win. However he wasn’t the one standout performer on the evening, as Manchester Metropolis’s Julian Alvarez bagged a brace to cap off a memorable evening in Qatar.

Croatia provided little resistance to Argentina’s risk, regardless of the most effective efforts of Luka Modric. Finally, it was all the time going to be tough for the underdogs to achieve back-to-back World Cup finals.

Let’s relive all the important thing moments from Tuesday’s semi-final.

Messi and Alverez Star as Argentina March On

Few would argue that Croatia didn’t begin the sport on the entrance foot. Zlatko Dalic’s aspect managed the tie within the opening levels, however they did not profit from their early dominance.

Argentina wanted a spark to ignite their efficiency – and it got here on 34 minutes. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic fouled Alveraz within the field, earlier than Messi transformed from the spot to present La Albiceleste the lead.

5 minutes later, Alvarez doubled Argentina’s benefit. After gaining possession in his personal half, the Man Metropolis ahead bulldozed his well past a number of Croatia gamers earlier than lifting the ball over Livakovic and into the online.

Alverez got here shut to creating it 3-0 when he related with a Messi nook simply earlier than half-time. Nonetheless, Livakovic produced a positive save to maintain his workforce within the contest.

Dalic made a double substitution on the break, with Mislav Orsic and Nikola Vlasic changing Borna Sosa and Mario Pasalic. 5 minutes into the second half, Marcelo Brozovic was changed by Bruno Petkovic. However the substitutes failed to alter the course of the sport

On 69 minutes, a second of Messi magic created an unforgettable third aim. The PSG star weaved his approach down the fitting wing earlier than rolling Josko Gvardiol and slicing the ball again for Alveraz to place the icing on the cake.

The stadium – dominated by Argentine followers – didn’t cease rocking till the very finish. After the sport, Lionel Scaloni and his gamers danced and sang as their supporters celebrated within the stands.

So, Messi’s quest for the World Cup trophy continues. Whereas Modric bowed out of the match on the opposite aspect, Messi and co. Will go for glory in Lusail on Sunday.