Argentina reached their sixth World Cup final with an easy win over the Checkered Ones.
Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 in their World Cup game on Tuesday. Brilliant defending and deadly counter-attacks put Albiceleste on the verge of winning the trophy.
Messi scores a record-breaking goal!
Croatia started off as the better side, while Argentina were busy finding their feet in the game.
The Checkered Ones, however, failed to find a quick breakthrough as Argentina won most of the one-to-one battles inside their own half.
The Albiceleste’s relentless pressure ultimately led to their opening goal. Following a swift counter-attack, Julian Alvarez was brought down inside the box by Croatia’s keeper Dominik Livakovic.
Messi then converted the spot-kick with a confident shot to register his 11th World cup goal, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time top-scorer in the tournament.
Croatia then tried to bounce back before half-time, but their attacks only provided more space behind their backline for Argentina’s attacks.
Alvarez made another quick run inside Croatia’s box to double Argentina’s lead in the 39th minute.
The Albiceleste looked even more confident in the second period, threatening Croatia’s backline with quick counter-attacks.
Following a sensational run and assist by Messi, Alvarez completed his brilliant display by making it 3-0 for Argentina.
The goal finished off the game for the Albiceleste as Croatia had little energy left to counter their opponents’ unstoppable pressing.
Argentina are now only a victory away from claiming their third World Cup trophy. Messi and co will face the winners of France’s semi-final clash against Morocco next Sunday.
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