Argentina-Croatia semifinal
Index
Presentation of the match
It’s the match between the two champions, who have made the weight of their experience more felt in this world championship. These are the captains, Messi and Modric, who will surely play to give everything they have inside, in order to take their national team to the final.
Argentina presents itself with a team made up of experience and youth, with Messi as a true leader and a young J.Alvarez who is already a great protagonist in this world championship. In the middle of the field, another young player of great interest, E. Fernandez, who will play the role of director and builder of the game, from him all the balls will pass to trigger his teammates in attack, starting with Messi. In defense Romero and Otamendi blocked goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Croatia will revolve around its midfield, among the best in this world championship, with Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic commanding all actions, which will have to trigger the attack for Kramaric, this team’s real weak point. In defense as well as in midfield, the true strength of the Croatians, there will be Gvardiol, certainly the best defender in the World Cup, and Lovren, in defense of Lovakovic’s goal, the absolute protagonist in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.
The referee will be Daniele Orsato (Italy), absolute guarantee for a world semifinal. The course made up to now by the race director of the Schio section would have deserved the final, having been the best ever, of all the race directors who took the field in this world championship.
Match commentary – First Half
It starts with the teams that are being studied, plus Croatia in the half of Argentina. First real shot on goal in the 25th minute with Fernandez kicking from outside the area, Livakovic intervenes without difficulty. In the 32nd minute penalty kick for Argentina after a foul against J.Alvarez by goalkeeper Livakovic. Penalty and yellow card for the Croatian goalkeeper, for having interrupted a clear attacking action.
Yellow card also for Kovacic for unsportsmanlike conduct. He beats Messi and scores, 1-0 for Argentina. In the 38th minute Goal for Argentina with J.Alvarez, who leaves from midfield, takes advantage of two rebounds and scores over Livakovic. On the 43rd occasion for Tagliafico who heads the Croatian goalkeeper. At the end of the first half in the 49th minute.
The first half saw Argentina take advantage of the chances they had. Messi inspired and J.Alvarez decisive up front. Croatia was unable to respond to the one-two from the Argentines, they seemed unconvinced and reactive after the disadvantage.
Second half
In the 48th minute Modric’s punishment for Martinez. In the 50th minute, central shot by Paredes, saves Livakovic. On the 58th occasion for Argentina with Messi for Livakovic. On the 63rd occasion for Croatia with Lovren heading for Martinez. In the 68th minute Romero was booked for an imprudent foul play against an opponent. In the 69th minute Argentina scored with J.Alvarez, he received an assist from Messi after a great play against Gvardiol.
In the 71st minute Otamendi was booked for an imprudent foul play against an opponent. In the 78th minute, Orsic shoots out. In the 83rd minute MacAllister shot the ball wide just wide. In the 89th minute, Majer’s long shot deflects for a corner kick. At 95′ the final whistle of the excellent Orsato. Argentina 3 Croatia 0.
Final analysis
Argentina is the first finalist of Qatar 2022, they will meet the winner of France-Morocco which will be played tomorrow. Argentina dominated the match starting from the 30th minute of the first half, thanks to an inspired Messi like never before, determined and determined to take his team to the final. The Argentine phenomenon was the inspiration behind Alvarez’s two goals and then scored the penalty.
With this goal Messi becomes the Argentine footballer who has scored the most in a World Cup, surpassing Batistuta. Furthermore, with this match, he becomes the footballer in history with the most appearances in the world competition, overtaking the German Lothar Matheus. Croatia was not very brilliant, perhaps the match won on penalties against Brazil had extinguished the energy of the Croatian players, who today appeared tired and unresponsive.
Follow us on social networks to stay updated on the latest World Cup news: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
