The FIFA World Cup 2022 entered his last four on Tuesday, as Argentina conveniently defeated Croatia 3-0 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar in the first semi-final of the tournament.
Argentina will now play both France or Morocco in Sunday’s last game (10 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app), while Croatia will play for third place on Saturday against the loser of the match between France and Morocco (10 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
Highlights Argentina vs. Croatia
Argentina defeated Croatia 3-0 in the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Here are the best plays!
Argentina vs. Croatia
0′: Two greats ready for action
Lionel Messi and Luka Modrić shook hands as they prepared for the game.
15′: An early Messi fear?
Messi was seen clutching his hamstring after a run early in the game against Croatia. But he kept playing and seemed fine.
25′: First save of the match
Enzo Fernández had saved a shot into the bottom right corner, the first by either side in the game.
34′: Goal! Messi drills PK, Argentina lead 1-0
Messi capitalized after Argentina were awarded the penalty with a left footed shot to the top right corner. With the goal, Messi became Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Lionel Messi scores from a penalty for a 1-0 lead
Another look at Messi’s goal
39′: Goal! Argentina strikes again! Leads 2-0
Julián Álvarez fired from the box with the right to give Argentina a 2–0 lead.
Julian Alvarez of Argentina scores goal vs. Croatia in 39′
42′: Almost a third!
Argentina nearly scored its third goal of the half when a Messi corner was headed by Alexis Mac Allister, but it was saved by Dominik Livakovic.
Halftime: Argentina 2-0
46′: Messi still sore
Lionel Messi appeared to be troubled early in the first half.
58′: Almost a second ahead of Messi
Lionel Messi’s shot was saved by Dominik Livakovic to keep the deficit to two goals.
62′: Almost Croatia’s first
For the first time in the game, Croatia almost knocked a shot to Argentina, but keeper Emiliano Martinez managed to get it.
69′: Goal! Messi provides assist for second Alvarez goal! Argentina 3-0.
Julián Álvarez scored his second goal of the match as Argentina earned a 3–0 lead on Lionel Messi’s fourth assist of the World Cup.
Julian Alvarez of Argentina scores goal vs. Croatia in 69′
Argentina’s Julian Alvarez scored a goal against Croatia in the 69′ of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup.
75′: Alvarez retires
Julián Álvarez is replaced by a loud ovation after conceding his two goals.
81′: Modrić fell to a loud ovation
Luka Modrić is replaced on the field and Argentina are firmly in control late in the game.
Final: Argentina 3-0
Messi couldn’t help but smile after the match
Argentinian fans were ready
Foreplay:
Set up the stage
Tuesday’s match is the sixth overall meeting between Argentina and Croatia and the third World Cup meeting between these two countries, splitting the previous two matchups apiece. The most recent World Cup match was in 2018 when Croatia beat Argentina 3-0 in the group stage.
Overall, the series between the two countries is tied at 2-1-2 for today’s game.
Looking ahead to the final, Argentina has reached the final in each of the previous four times it has made it to a semi-final in the World Cup (1930, 1986, 1990, 2014).
On the other hand, Croatia is undefeated in its previous 11 games and aims to become the fifth runners-up of the previous World Cup to reach the final at the next World Cup, joining the Netherlands in 1978, West Germany in 1986 and 1990 , and Brazil in 2002.
Last World Cup meeting….
Two of the best ready
For the first time, the Golden Ball winners of the two previous World Cup tournaments will face each other in a FIFA World Cup match.
Luka Modrić shows some style
Almost that time
Both sides are in a good mood
Flashback to the quarterfinals
Messi has a mission
Messi has arrived
Back in Argentina, the game is central
Luka Modrić and Croatia have arrived
The emotion of the game’s most stressful situation: penalty kicks
Messi and Argentina take the field to a wild ovation
Argentinian fans bring the energy
Messi and Modrić battle for the elusive World Cup title
Almost time
Stay tuned for updates!
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