Croatia went through the final stage of the World Cup, but in tonight’s semi-final against Argentina it ended already at the end of the first half.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring to make it 1-0 from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic collided with Julian Alvarez on the run and referee Daniele Orsato pointed at the spot. A goal that means Messi is now Argentina’s all-time World Cup top scorer with eleven goals from him, one more than the legendary Gabriel Batistuta.
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Five minutes later it was time again. Messi had a small hand in building up, but it was Julian Alvarez who scored the goal after fighting his way through the Croatian defense and slotting the ball into the back of the net.
Croatia captain Zlatko Dalic tried to shake up his side by making three substitutions early in the second half, but it came to nothing.
Instead, the Croatians were forced to watch as Messi had theater on the right wing with just over 20 minutes left to play. After spinning defender Josko Gvardiol both once and twice, he found his way to Alvarez in the center of the box who could easily make it 3-0 from close range.
– This is one of the greatest accomplishments in WC, if not the greatest. It’s a balance number, it’s an assist, it’s the best footballer in the world showing up, over and over, wow, says SVT commentator Chris Härenstam.
The text is updated.
