Argentina became the first team to reach the finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, thanks to Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. In the tournament’s first semi-final, the Albicelestes defeated 2018 runners-up Croatia 3-0 at the Lusail stadium.
Argentina and Croatia both got off to a fast start, with neither team sitting back. After 25 minutes, Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez fired the game’s first shot on goal, a pop from outside the box that was easily saved by Dominik Livakovic in goal.
Alvarez was brought down by Livakovic in the 32nd minute after being played one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The referee was quick to award a penalty, which the Video Assistant Referee confirmed (VAR). Argentina took the lead after Lionel Messi took the penalty kick and fired it into the top-right corner.
Just minutes later, Messi stole the ball in midfield, allowing Alvarez to go on the counter-attack. The 22-year-old ran half the pitch and scored on a couple of lucky ricochets. Argentina smelled blood and unleashed a barrage of attacks on Croatia.
Only a few minutes later, Livakovic was called into action when Messi’s corner was met by a powerful Alexis Mac Allister header. To keep the scores even, the Croatian had to go down quickly and make a strong left-handed save.
Croatia Rue Missed Chances
Croatia had a chance to cut Argentina’s lead just before halftime when Josip Juranovic’s strike was scrambled by Emiliano Martinez in goal. The rebound fell to Andrej Kramaric of Hoffenheim, who could only blast his shot over the crossbar.
Dejan Lovren came close to scoring in the 62nd minute after connecting with a beautifully floated free kick from Luka Modric. His headed effort, however, lacked power and was cleared away by the Argentine defence.
Messi and Alvarez Work Again
Just as Croatia threatened Argentina’s lead, Messi stepped up to seal Argentina’s victory. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner summoned his vintage self and rolled past a couple of Croatian midfielders before holding off star defender Josko Gvardiol to lay a perfect cut-back cross on a plate for Alvarez, who obliged in the 69th minute to make it 3-0 in Argentina’s favour.
Croatia attempted to re-enter the game by sending Ivan Perisic and Mislav Orsic on goal, but none of their efforts worried Martinez in the least. With only minutes remaining, Zlatko Dalic removed their captain and talisman Modric, content with the outcome.
Argentina dominated the rest of the game to become the first team to secure a place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.