We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ...
Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.
Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.
This could be Messi's year to win the FIFA World Cup. Not an over statement as the Argentinians have shocked the vice Champions Croatia 3-0 in the first semi finals played on Tuesday night. Leonel Messi was practically involved in all three goals for his nation.
Croatia monopolizes the ball while Argentina is satisfied with counterattacks.
Very few opportunities are offered to the fans in this Argentina-Croatia. For the Albiceleste, the midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez-Paredes-De Paul simply concreted and prevented the Croatian ball circulation. On their part, Dalic, the Croatian coach, in addition to his trio Brozovic-Modric-Kovacic, Pašalić, placed on the right side, often returns to the axis to prevent the Argentine relays.
A penalty to settle the situation
However, a fact of play will come to unblock the game. Julian Alvarez beat an offside trap and out runs the Croatian backline to pass the keeper on a deep pass from Enzo Fernández and was then hit by Dominik Livaković, the Croatian keeper. The referee whistles a penalty. Lionel Messi converted it to give his team the lead (34th). From then on, things accelerate. On a Croatian corner, Argentina goes on the counter and doubled the score by Julian Alvarez three minutes later. The Albiceleste goes to the break with this advantage of 2 goals to 0.
6th final in history for Argentina?
After the break, Croatia makes two changes. Vlasic and Orsic enter in place of Sosa and Pašalić. Three minutes after the restart, Brozovic is injured and gives up his place to Petkovic. So the 4-3-3 turns into a 4-4-2 with Petkovic and Kramaric up front, with Orsic and Vlasic on the sides. Lionel Scaloni reacts by taking out Paredes to bring in Lisandro Martinez and switches to a five-man defense. Croatia breaks its teeth with crosses and no shot situation. Argentina, on the counter, will increase the gap. Lionel Messi beat Gvardiol on the right side with some dribbles, before serving Julian Alvares who takes the flat of the foot for the 3-0 (69th). The Argentinians have won a ticket to their 6th World Cup final. They won two (1978 and 1986). Messi and his team will know their opponent this Wednesday. France challenges Morocco at 19h GMT.
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez strike again! 💥
The first Semi-final didn't disappoint!#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/T6oNw2JoSs
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022
