Argentina advances to final with 3-0 victory over Croatia... 'Messi 1 goal 1 assist'

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Argentina players celebrating Messi's opening winning penalty goal [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Argentina, facing Croatia in the World Cup semifinal, secured a 3-0 victory to advance to the final, bringing them closer to the championship trophy.

On the 14th (Korean time) at Lusail Stadium in Al Daayen, Qatar, Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup semifinal. Argentina reached the World Cup final for the first time in eight years since the 2014 Brazil tournament (runners-up).

Argentina, challenging for their third World Cup title (1978, 1986) after 36 years since the 1986 Mexico tournament, will compete for the championship against the winner of the France-Morocco semifinal (15th at 4 AM, Al Bayt Stadium) in the final on the 19th at midnight at Lusail Stadium.

Meanwhile, Croatia, the 2018 Russia World Cup runners-up, will face the loser of France-Morocco in the third-place match on the 18th at midnight at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan to compete for third place.

Argentina lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. Lionel Messi and Juli?n ?lvarez were positioned at the front, supported by Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fern?ndez, Leandro Paredes, and Rodrigo De Paul behind them. The back four consisted of Nicol?s Tagliafico, Nicol?s Otamendi, Cristian Romero, and Nahuel Molina, with Emiliano Mart?nez as goalkeeper.

Croatia responded with a 4-3-3 formation. Ivan Peri?i?, Andrej Kramari?, and Mario Pa?ali? aimed for goals, while Mateo Kova?i?, Marcelo Brozovi?, and Luka Modri? controlled the midfield. Borna Sosa, Jo?ko Gvardiol, Dejan Lovren, and Josip Juranovi? formed the defense, with goalkeeper Dominik Livakovi? guarding the net.

In the early stages, both teams cautiously probed each other. Although Croatia seemed to have a slight upper hand, the momentum shifted to Argentina after the 31st minute of the first half. At that time, ?lvarez received a long pass in midfield, broke past the opposing defense, and collided with Livakovi?, earning a penalty kick. Messi, stepping up as the kicker, struck a powerful shot into the upper right corner of the goal. This was Messi’s fifth goal of the tournament, tying with Kylian Mbapp? (France) as top scorers, and his 11th World Cup goal overall, placing him joint 6th in history.

The second goal came in the 39th minute of the first half, created by ?lvarez. Dribbling from the center circle into the penalty box, he battled with Croatian defenders but maintained possession and scored with a right-footed shot, extending the lead to 2-0.

In the 42nd minute, Mac Allister delivered a crucial header from a corner kick, but Livakovi? made a save. Croatia tried to score a consolation goal but could not get past Mart?nez. The first half ended with Argentina leading.

To change the momentum, Croatia made substitutions at the start of the second half, replacing Sosa and Pa?ali? with Mislav Or?i? and Nikola Vla?i?. In the 5th minute of the second half, Brozovi? was substituted out for Bruno Petkovi?.

Argentina strengthened their defense by substituting Paredes for Lisandro Mart?nez in the 16th minute of the second half to block Croatia’s attacks.

Despite this, Argentina maintained their offensive pressure. In the 24th minute of the second half, ?lvarez scored his second goal after receiving a pass from Messi, who broke through the right flank, making it 3-0. ?lvarez’s multi-goal performance brought his tournament tally to four, continuing his race for the top scorer title.

In the remaining time, Croatia intensified their attacks but failed to break through Argentina’s defense. In the 36th minute of the second half, Croatia substituted Modri?, effectively conceding defeat. Ultimately, the match ended with Argentina’s victory.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.