ARGENTINA have reached the World Cup final after a stunning 3-0 win over Croatia.
Star man Lionel Messi rifled home a penalty to put Argentina in front at the Lusail Stadium, before Julian Alvarez doubled the lead.
Alvarez then scored again for Argentina’s third after some incredible work from Messi to set the Man City ace up.
Argentina will now face France or Morocco – who play in their World Cup semi-final tomorrow night.
- Result: Argentina 3-0 Croatia
- World Cup final: Kick-off time and TV info
- Argentina XI: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Julian Alvarez
- Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
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That’s all from the Lusail Stadium
Argentina have booked their spot in Sunday’s World Cup final with a spectacular 3-0 win over Croatia.
Meanwhile, it’s the end of the road for Luka Modric and the Blazers.
Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
Race for the Golden Boot
Lionel Messi is now level with France’s Kylian Mbappe on World Cup goals.
Messi wins Player of the Match award
Another to add to the trophy cabinet…
Credit: Getty
Lionel Messi reacts
“I would say the first match [the defeat against Saudi Arabia] was a hard blow because we had been unbeaten in six matches. To start in such a way in a World Cup, we did not think we would lose to Saudi Arabia.
“It was an acid test of the whole squad but we proved how strong we are. We won the other matches and it was very difficult what we did. Every match was a final and we were aware if we did not win things would be complicated for us.
“We have won five finals and I hope this is the case for the final on Sunday. We lost in the first match due to fine details but it helped us to be stronger.”
Credit: Getty Full Time – Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Here’s THAT Lionel Messi assist.
You’re welcome.
Jul the World
Julian Alvarez is the youngest player to score twice in a World Cup semi-final or final since Pele in 1958.
Credit: Getty Cup for it
Argentina have reached the World Cup final for the sixth time, doing so in two of the last three editions of the competition – only Germany have reached more finals in the competition.
Credit: AP Full Time – Argentina 3-0 Croatia
A clinical performance from Argentina.
From the grounds
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Lusail Stadium:
“You may remember all that kerfuffle at the start of last season.
“Spurs and Aston Villa caved when Romero, Martinez and Buendia told them they were not going to listen to a demand to stay behind and headed off for international duty – despite Covid rules which meant quarantine on their return.
“Indeed, their Covid status caused absolute chaos when the qualifying match against Brazil was cancelled because some of the Argentines faked their exemption certificates.
“But this is why they would do anything to play for their country. Anything.
“That sheer sense of national pride, echoing from all sides of the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
“Even the subs on the sidelines are joining in the songs now.”
Credit: Reuters
Full Time – Argentina 3-0 Croatia
They’ve done it!
Argentina have booked their spot in the World Cup final!
Credit: AFP 90+4. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Chance for Croatia as Vlasic attempts a shot from the edge of the box, but he blazes the strike wide.
90+1. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Five minutes have been added on.
Argentina are just five minutes away from a World Cup final…
From the grounds
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Lusail Stadium:
“The Argentine fans are pogo-ing all round the stadium.
“This is delirium, joy, devotion, delight.
“Modric departs. Is that a glimmer of a tear in his gimlet eyes?
“Maybe.
“But what a career. What a player. Heart and soul of his team.”
86. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Another change for Argentina as Foyth replaces Molina.
85. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Huge chance for Croatia!
Majer sends a corner towards Perisic in the box.
The wing-back flicks it on at the front post as Lovren makes a direct run at goal, but the defender can’t get a touch on the ball to direct it on target.
83. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Chance for Argentina as Mac Allister fires a shot at goal, but his effort flies wide.
81. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Another change for Croatia.
Modric leaves the pitch in what could be his final World Cup game.
He has been replaced by Majer.
Credit: Getty 78. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Argentina have made two more changes.
Dybala has replaced Alvarez.
Palacios has replaced De Paul.
From the grounds
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reacts to Alvarez’s goal from the Lusail Stadium:
“Okay, that’s just sensational.
“Utterly sensational.
“And it means Argentina and Messi get the chance for their last Tango against the Parisians.
“Gvardiol has been outstanding all month.
“But the masked defender looked like an out of control bull being tormented by a matador as Messi left him with twisted blood before pulling back for Alvarez to sweep home.
“The victory chants are exactly that. This one is done and dusted.
“Argentina are back here in Lusail on Sunday.
“Revenge for Nizhny Novgorod four years ago.
“More importantly, another World Cup Final.”
70. Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Wow.
Messi picks up the ball on halfway line before driving down the right, cutting into the box and leaving Gvardiol in the dust.
He then squares it to Alvarez with an inch-perfect pass and the striker slots it past Livakovic and into the back of the net.
Credit: Getty 69. GOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL ARGENTINA!
Alvarez strikes again after a moment of sheer magic from Messi!
68. Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Romero is booked for a clumsy challenge on Petkovic.
From the grounds
SunSport’s Martin Lipton reports live from the Lusail Stadium:
“Sending on Martinez for Paredes and going five at the back signals Argentina are less than confident about their defensive line.
“But it will hand Croatia the initiative.
“Holland caused mayhem by launching it towards the box.
“That is not the Croatian way, normally.
“Yet needs must, when the Devil drives.”
63. Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Huge chance for Croatia as Lovren climbs above his marker to get onto the end of a cross and head the ball towards goal, but Martinez comes off his line to make the save.
62. Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Argentina make a change.
Paredes makes way for Lisandro Martinez.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
