Argentina have advanced to the final of the 2022 World Cup after beating Croatia 3-0 in a match they dominated from start to finish. With the win, "La Albiceleste" will once again have the opportunity to earn their third World Cup title after losing the 2014 World Cup final to Germany in Brazil.
Leo Messi made history and became the top World Cup scorer in Argentinian history, as well as equaling Lothar Matthäus for most games played in this tournament (25). Barring a setback, Messi will have the chance to win the only title he has yet to win.
In the first half, both teams came out very conservative, knowing that any lapses in concentration could turn into goals for their opponents. Fans had to wait until the 25th minute to see the first clear chance. The best goalkeeper of the tournament so far, Croatia's Dominik Livaković, made a good save after a shot from Enzo Fernández.
The minutes passed and both teams continued with the same determination, neither able to crack into the opponent's area. Finally, in the 32nd minute when, Julián Álvarez came up with the ball in front of Livaković after a stellar counterattack. The goalkeeper could not avoid a collision and the referee called for a penalty. Messi took care of business from the penalty spot (1-0), putting Argentina ahead with an unstoppable shot in the upper corner.
This is how you take a penalty kick in a World Cup! 🔥
Strong and square is ¡𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄!
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- Gol Mundial (@Gol) December 13, 2022
Just five minutes later came the second blow for the Croatians. Julián Álvarez (2-0) brought the ball all the way up from his own half and, after meandering through several defenders (with the help of some fortunate bounces), beat Livaković to add comfort to the Argentinian lead.
Spider Bite 🕷️
🔥 Spectacular counterattack by #ARG that Julián Álvarez finishes off!
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- Gol Mundial (@Gol) December 13, 2022
With just minutes left in the first half, Livaković made a brilliant save from Alexis Mac Allister's header to prevent the game from getting truly out of hand.
Argentina to the final!
In the second half, Croatia was able to turn the tables a bit, overpowering Argentina and keeping their opponents' chances at bay. Even still, they hardly came close to Emiliano Martinez's goal, and it was Argentina who eventually took back control of the game.
The dagger came in the 68th minute. Leo Messi turned back the hands of time and made a solo move that is only possible for a soccer legend like him. Upon arrival to the box, he dumped the ball off to Julián Álvarez (3-0), who put it home for the third and final goal of the match.
Messi dances a tango to Gvardiol and gives away the goal to Julián Álvarez 🐐.
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- Gol Mundial (@Gol) December 13, 2022
Argentina's match was brilliant, and they await the winner of tomorrow's match between Morocco and France. Croatia's World Cup performance was sensational, as they once again surprised the world and are among the four best teams of the tournament after losing in the final in 2018.
