Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, and Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrate after scoring during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Argentina and Croatia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Argentina vs Croatia Highlights: It will be Messi’s second World Cup final — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what might be his last appearance at the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi Last, Argentina versus Croatia Features: Lionel Messi is back On the planet Cup last with Argentina on his central goal to win soccer's greatest award interestingly. Furthermore, at 35, he could scarcely be playing any better. Messi changed over a punishment and contributed to the next two objectives by Julián Álvarez, driving Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday that set up a gathering with one or the other France or Morocco in Sunday's championship.
It will be Messi's subsequent World Cup last — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what may be his last appearance at the competition. It could yet be the ideal approach out for a player broadly viewed as one of the game's best players, on the off chance that not exactly ideal.
Arrangements: Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Macintosh Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi; Croatia: Dominik Livakovic, Borna Sosa, Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic, Andrej Kramaric, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Juranovic
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HomeSportsFootballArgentina versus Croatia, World Cup 2022 Semi Last Features: Alvarez's support, Lionel Messi's punishment assist Argentina with overcoming Croatia 3-0
Argentina versus Croatia, World Cup 2022 Semi Last Features: Alvarez's support, Lionel Messi's punishment assist Argentina with overcoming Croatia 3-0
By: Sports Work area
Refreshed: December 14, 2022 3:48:14 am
Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, and Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrate in the wake of scoring during the World Cup elimination round soccer match among Argentina and Croatia at the Lusail Arena in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. (AP Photograph/Martin Meissner)
Argentina versus Croatia Features: It will be Messi's subsequent World Cup last — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what may be his last appearance at the competition.
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FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi Last, Argentina versus Croatia Features: Lionel Messi is back On the planet Cup last with Argentina on his central goal to win soccer's greatest award interestingly. What's more, at 35, he could scarcely be playing any better. Messi changed over a punishment and contributed to the next two objectives by Julián Álvarez, driving Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday that set up a gathering with one or the other France or Morocco in Sunday's championship.
Notice
It will be Messi's subsequent World Cup last — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what may be his last appearance at the competition. It could yet be the ideal approach out for a player generally viewed as one of the game's best players, in the event that not all that great.
Setups: Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Macintosh Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi; Croatia: Dominik Livakovic, Borna Sosa, Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic, Andrej Kramaric, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Juranovic
LIVE BLOG
Argentina versus Croatia Features: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, ARG versus CRO Features underneath.
02:41 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
ARG versus CRO: Read our match report by Sandip G, live from Lusail Arena
On an energizing night at the Lusail Arena, glimmering in the entirety of its greatness, Lionel Messi kept his Reality Cup winning fate on course. He wrapped up a punishment, planned one more for two-objective legend Julian Alvarez and delivered a close to rare show to excite the hoards that had accumulated to watch him and steer his group to the last, outmaneuvering Croatia 3-0.
It's all the group needed. Messi minutes. Furthermore, he conceded their desire a few times. However, none as striking as the help for the third objective. He tore through the right, through the edge of the touchline, floating past Mislav Orsic, turning him over. However, Josko Gvardiol, in his spidery cover, was sticking onto him like a youngster would a parent, not giving him space to shoot the pass, not bearing the cost of his existence to work or turn past him, and floating him away. In any case, Messi kept his shape against the muscle of a protector 20 years more youthful than him. He hauled him to the container, increasingly close to the manager, then halted and turned, getting away from his grip before he cut the ball back onto Julian Alvarez's course. The last option just opened in from scarcely six yards. It was in the event that Messi was leaned to make an entire collection of magnificent aids the World Cup. The fact that captured his merciless aspiration makes it the second. On the off chance that predetermination doesn't stop for me, I will stop for it.
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HomeSportsFootballArgentina vs Croatia, World Cup 2022 Semi Final Highlights: Alvarez's brace, Lionel Messi's penalty help Argentina defeat Croatia 3-0
Argentina vs Croatia, World Cup 2022 Semi Final Highlights: Alvarez’s brace, Lionel Messi’s penalty help Argentina defeat Croatia 3-0
By: Sports Desk
Updated: December 14, 2022 3:48:14 am
Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, and Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrate after scoring during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Argentina and Croatia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Argentina vs Croatia Highlights: It will be Messi’s second World Cup final — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what might be his last appearance at the tournament.
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FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi Final, Argentina vs Croatia Highlights: Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win soccer’s biggest prize for the first time. And, at 35, he could hardly be playing any better. Messi converted a penalty and had a hand in the other two goals by Julián Álvarez, leading Argentina to a 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday that set up a meeting with either France or Morocco in Sunday’s title match.
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It will be Messi’s second World Cup final — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what might be his last appearance at the tournament. It could yet be the perfect way to go out for a player widely regarded as one of the game’s best players, if not the best.
Lineups: Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi; Croatia: Dominik Livakovic, Borna Sosa, Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic, Andrej Kramaric, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mario Pasalic, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Juranovic
LIVE BLOG
Argentina vs Croatia Highlights: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, ARG vs CRO Highlights below.
02:41 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
ARG vs CRO: Read our match report by Sandip G, live from Lusail Stadium
On an electrifying night at the Lusail Stadium, gleaming in all its grandeur, Lionel Messi kept his World Cup winning destiny on course. He tucked in a penalty, masterminded another for two-goal hero Julian Alvarez and produced a near vintage show to thrill the multitudes that had gathered to watch him and steer his team to the final, outclassing Croatia 3-0.
It’s all the crowd wanted. Messi moments. And he granted their wish several times. None as striking as the assist for the third goal though. He ripped through the right, through the edge of the touchline, gliding past Mislav Orsic, turning him over. But Josko Gvardiol, in his spidery mask, was clinging onto him like a child would a parent, not giving him room to shoot the pass, not affording his time and space to work or twist past him, and drifting him away. But Messi kept his shape against the muscle of a defender 20 years younger than him. He dragged him to the box, closer and closer to the keeper, then stopped and turned, escaping from his clutches before he cut the ball back onto Julian Alvarez’s route. The latter just slotted in from barely six yards. It was if Messi was inclined to make a whole album of glorious assists in the World Cup. It was the moment that captured his ruthless ambition. If destiny does not stop for me, I will stop for it. (Read more from Sandip G live from the stadium in Doha)
02:38 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
Messi's assist: Another angle
02:26 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
All over
Vlasic has curled his shot wide. It's almost time for the referee to blow the whistle and Argentina's jubilation. Croatia with the last chance with the counter and lovren blasts it over the bar. And the whistle has blown and Argentina are in the final for the 6th time.
02:23 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
5 added mins
5 minutes have been added and Argentina are already in a celebratory mood. Perisic swings in a cross and it's nicked behind by Tagliafico
ARG 3-0 CRO
02:20 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
88': Half chance for CRO
Kovacic with a great run as he skips past some argentinian challenges and feeds the ball to his teammate who hits it straight at Martinez.
ARG 3-0 CRO
02:16 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
85': Miss!!!
Beautifully worked corner. It blazes past Martinez and Lovren should have got his any part of his body to it but he didn't as a chance goes begging.
ARG 3-0 CRO
02:15 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
83': Dybala almost goes through
Dybala almost weaves through the Croatian defence with Molina for company but he is ultimately dispossesd as Croatia build from the back to get something out of this game.
ARG 3-0 CRO
02:13 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
80': Goodbye for Modric?
Luka Modric is being taken off. This might be the moment that Croatia says goodbye to one of their greatest player if he does not play the 3rd place match on Saturday. What a career he has had as the Croatian supporters applaud as he is replaced by Lovro Majer.
ARG 3-0 CRO
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02:09 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
77': Orisic blasts one over
Orisic is inside the penalty box and he curls it over the Argentinian post. Argentina are just cruising now. Don't think they expected to be in this relaxed position before the semifinal.
ARG 3-0 CRO
02:07 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
ICYMI: Alvarez's goal
02:06 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
74': Changes for Argentina
Rodrigo de Paul and Julian Alvarez are withdrawn by Argentina now and they will be replaced by Exequiel Palacios and Paulo Dybala, who finally gets a chance to kick a ball in this World Cup.
ARG 3-0 CRO
02:00 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
69': Alvarez makes it 3
And that makes it 3. Lionel Messi is unstoppable at the moment. He cuts into the Croatian penalty box with the defender on his back. He is so tight near the touch line and he just puts in a simple pass to Alvarez who finishes it off easily.
ARG 3-0 CRO
01:58 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
Argentina's timely change?
With Lisandro Martinez on, Argentina have switched to a back five, trying to stop crosses and concede any space to Croatia in the final third. A system change at the hour mark, arguably a timely one too given that Croatia we're starting to show some urgency
01:57 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
65': Modric fouled
Argentina is playing keep ball at the moment as Alvarez's curling cross is met by De Paul whose shot is cleared away and Modric breaks. He is fouled and Croatia will breathe a sigh of relief.
ARG 2-0 CRO
01:53 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
61': Save by Martinez
Argentina will now look to see off this match as Lisandro Martinez is brought in for Parades. Croatia witha free kick and Lovren gets a head to it. Not the contact he wanted and Martinez parries it out.
ARG 2-0 CRO
01:50 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
Croatia going all out
Croatia have decided to go all out - removing a defender (Sosa) for a striker (Orisic), shoring up the midfield by bringing on Vlasic for Pasalic and breaking the midfield trio by substituting Brozovic for Petkovic.
Desperate times, desperate measures and all that but with Croatia now likely to be more direct, this could either lead to an epic comeback or an embarrassing defeat.
01:48 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
56': Messi's shot saved
Croatia can't seem to get out of their penalty box whenever Argentina get the ball. Fernandez was fed by de Paul and it was dealt with, only for the ball to get stuck in Messi's feet who are now building from the back again. And a one two between Messi and Fernandez results in a shot by the little magician that Livakovic saves at his near post.
ARG 2-0 CRO
01:42 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
51': Changes galore for Croatia
Croatia have already made 3 changes. 2 at half time as Sosa and Pasalic are replaced with Vlasic and Orsic. Now Brozovic is withdrawn for Petrovic. Might have been an injury.
ARG 2-0 CRO
01:40 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
48': Parades shoots straight at the keeper
Parades gets the ball in the edge of the Croatian penalty box as Tagliafico is challenged. The referee plays the advantage and Parades shoots right down the throat of the Croatian keeper.
ARG 2-0 CRO
01:38 (IST)
14 DEC 2022
46': Martinez collects from Modric's free kick
And we are off for the 2nd half and Argentina starts us off. Foul for Croatia and a free kick in a good position. Modric over it. And it's calmly collected by Martinez.
ARG 2-0 CRO
From Saudi Arabia shock to one step from final: How Argentina and Messi made it
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates. (AP)
The Evening Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina, manager Lionel Scaloni called for an early dinner.
Usually, the players take dinner in groups, or sometimes alone, but this time Scaloni insisted on “dining together”. The mood across the table was understandably sombre. No jokes, no banter, just the echo of spoons and knives clanking in the large dining room of the Qatar University, where they are staying. Hours ago, they had an extensive meeting on how to focus on the remaining tournament — not a word was uttered on the defeat. And during dinner, Scaloni’s brief was not to talk a word about their game. (READ MORE)
Argentina vs Croatia: Can the Albiceleste penetrate the ‘best midfield in the world’?
Croatia's Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic stand in a defensive wall. (Reuters)
Croatia do not have any direct goalscoring options. They do not have an incisive frontline capable of creating something out of nothing, nor a world-beating striker. They have not shown any exceptional ability to create from width, nor have they shown any reliability from set pieces.
Yet, not a single one of their opponents at this year’s football World Cup have found any joy in playing against them. Not even massive pre-tournament favourites Brazil, who were frustrated into a 1-1 draw and defeated on penalties in the quarterfinal
