Argentina has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022 final after beating Croatia 3 -0.
The 3-0 victory that Argentina achieved in the World Cup semi-final match was the highest victory ever achieved by a side that did not allow an opponent to score. Brilliant.
Messi scored Argentina’s first goal from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, and then Julian Alvarez scored Argentina’s second goal just five minutes later with his foot. Both of these goals were scored in the first half for Argentina.
In the 69th minute, Alvarez scored a goal to make the score 3-0 and eliminate any possibility of a late comeback for Croatia. This goal effectively eliminated any possibility of Croatia making a comeback.
The two-times world champions, backed by a huge majority of the crowd at the Lusail Stadium, produced their best display of the tournament to ensure they will meet the winners of Wednesday’s semi-final clash between holders France and Morocco in Sunday’s final.
Messi, 35, who suffered a defeat to Germany in 2014 final, is desperate to crown his extraordinary career by winning his first World Cup and bringing Argentina a third title to add to those won in 1978 and 1986.
And after getting his team on the way to victory with a perfectly struck first-half penalty, he made sure of the win by brilliantly creating the third goal.
Croatia, runners-up in Russia four years ago, paid the price for some untypically poor defending as they went out in the last four for the second time after their 1998 loss to France in their maiden tournament.
It was not until the 25th minute when the game showed signs of life with a low pot shot from outside the box by Enzo Fernandez but Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic did well to get across and keep it out.
It was a tight affair, but then a simple lofted ball over the top from Fernandez caught out the Croatian defense; Alvarez latched on to it, knocking the ball past the advancing Livakovic, who collided with the striker and Italian referee Daniele Orsato pointed to the spot. (PhotoNews / Reuters)
