Argentina are through the final of the World Cup after a brilliant performance! Croatia did not have the answer to Messi and co and they are going to be playing in the 3rd place playoff.
| L. Messi 34′(p) J. Alvarez 39′, 69′ |
Location: Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail
Referee: Daniele Orsato, Italy
Argentina
Manager: L. Scaloni
Subs: L. Martinez 62′, E. Palacios 74′, P. Dybala 74′, A. Correa 86′, J. Foyth 86′
Croatia
Manager: Z. Dalić
Subs: M. Orsic 46′, N. Vlasic 46′, B. Petkovic 50′, M. Livaja 72′, L. Majer 81′
Probably the story of the tournament in the first half, one team had the better possession, the other team scored. Was a bit different this time around though, as Argentina scored more than one goal. First it was a penalty given by a foul on Alvarez, converted by Messi. The second came after some defensive blunders by Croatia’s defenders, Alvarez scored.
Croatia came out much more aggressive than in the first half, however they didn’t really manage to create a lot of chances. Julian Alvarez put the nail in the coffin for Croatia in the 69th minute, after a great chance created by Messi, to make it 3-0. And that was basically all she wrote, there was no way for Croatia to come. Modric being subbed off was a nice moment though, as the Croatian legend got a standing ovation.
Argentina are going to the Final of the World Cup! They are going to be facing either France or Morocco. Croatia is going to be playing in the 3rd place playoff.