Even if the lock is not broken by a hundred blows of the hammer, it is opened by a single thrust of the key. Lionel Scaloni-Lionel Messi's Argentina opened with the key to Croatia's strong defensive strategy. Shows successful application of Latin style of counter attack. Young striker Julian Alvarez provided a clinical finish. The Albiceleste advanced to the final after crushing the Croats 3-0 with their magic.
Argentina did not lose in the semi-finals. Coach Lionel Scaloni arranged the eleven with four defenders and four midfielders with the old happy memories. His disciples played coolly with ball positions at the feet of experienced Croatian midfielders. The defense that Japan-Brazil could not break, the team relying on the counter attack opened it in the 34th minute of the match. Lionel Messi scored the first goal for the team from the penalty. Gabriel surpassed Batistuta's record of 11 goals for Argentina in the World Cup.
The young number nine Alvarez of Akashi-Sadad scored that goal. He took the ball from a great counter attack and entered the Croats' box. He tried to beat Livakovic with a soft volley that fell in the face of the goalkeeper. But fell victim to the foul. However, there are questions about that foul and penalty.
If Argentina's first goal was disputed, Man City's young striker Alvarez's second goal was one of the best of the season. He also scored from the counter attack. The Croats attacked. Argentina took the ball away. Alvarez in their own half received the ball in one pass. He evaded the opponent's defense in one move and entered the box and sent the ball into the net. In the 39th minute, Akashi-Sadara took a 2-0 lead.
Croatia increased the offensive edge in the second half. Argentina's defense continued to thrive in a fast-paced attack. They also get several opportunities. Among them, the goal in the 69th minute is also worth watching. Alvarez just brilliantly sent the ball into the net with one touch. But from that counter-attack, Messi entered the corner of the Croats' box with his old position on the left-hand side. He evaded three defenders who were busy blocking him and scored through Alvarez who was standing in space.
In that assist, he touched the legendary Diego Maradona. The Argentine 'Football God' has played in four World Cups and has assisted eight goals. This time, Messi also assisted in eight goals. Now waiting for Messi's final opponent. Waiting to break the title drought after 36 years. Waiting to end the great debate of all time. France and Morocco will meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday night. The winner of that match will face Argentina on December 18 for the title.
