Jakarta, CNNI Indonesia —
Victory Argentina over Croatia cannot be separated from Lionel Scaloni’s team’s three golden moments that resulted in goals.
Argentina will taste its sixth final at the World Cup. Lionel Messi he also has the opportunity to lift the World Cup trophy for the second time after failing eight years ago.
Despite winning with a convincing score, the match was not easy for Argentina. The Albiceleste players’ ability to defend and finish off chances made the difference.
The first golden moment was Messi’s penalty. Referee Daniele Orsato pointed to the penalty spot after Julian Alvarez was fouled by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Messi, who advanced as executioner, was actually not supported by a 100% record of completing 12 right kick runs. Against Poland in the group stage, Messi failed to find the net against Wocjiech Szczesny. Furthermore, Livakovic also has an impressive record of saved penalties.
Sure enough Livakovic could guess the direction of Messi’s shot, but the ball couldn’t be blocked. Messi chose to hit the ball hard and made the Croatian net vibrate.
The second moment of the second gold was performed by Julian Alvarez, who dribbled the ball from halfway. Taking advantage of the counter-attack situation, the Arsenal player managed to break through the Croatian defense which was not ready to make a transition.
Despite a challenge from Vatreni’s players, including goalkeeper Livakovic, Alvarez was able to put the ball into the net to put Argentina up 2–0.
Argentina’s third goal, which was provided by Alvarez, was inseparable from Messi’s golden moment combing the Croatian defense while simultaneously shrugging off Josko Gvardiol, who was one of Zlatko Dalic’s pillars in defence.
Messi dribbled the ball down his right flank then stopped and tricked Gvardiol with a body twist before pushing the ball to Alvarez who was standing in front of goal.
(nva/ain)
