RONALDINHO showed his appreciation for Julian Alvarez’s first goal for Argentina against Croatia.
The Manchester City star netted twice as his side won 3-0 to book their place in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Ronaldinho was in attendance, and would surely have rather been watching his beloved Brazil.
But despite them being old foes, he could appreciate the quality of Argentina’s second goal.
Alvarez, 22, launched a brilliant solo run from his own half, charging right at the heart of the Croatian defence.
Albeit after a pair of fortunate ricochets, the forward was able to cap off his great run by poking the ball beyond Dominik Livakovic.
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The goal was compared to Diego Maradona’s against England in 1986 by a number of fans online.
And it drew applause from legendary trickster Ronaldinho.
With a wide grin on his face, the 42-year-old was seen clapping from his perch in the posh seats at Lusail Stadium.
Ronaldinho was in attendance alongside old pal Cafu, and would have been happy to watch his former Barcelona protege Lionel Messi’s exceptional performance.
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The 35-year-old dispatched a first-half penalty after good work by Alvarez, before truly lighting up the match in the 69th minute – bamboozling Josko Gvardiol before teeing up his strike partner for his side’s third goal.
While Ronaldinho and Cafu enjoyed the action from the stands, they weren’t the first to appreciate the play of Messi and Co in this tournament.
Iconic striker Ronaldo, 46, previously told reporters: “I’m going to be honest, I can’t say I want Argentina to win, it would be lying.
“I wouldn’t be happy as a Brazilian.
“They all deserve it. Football is about playing and winning, nobody is going to give you anything. They all have a chance, of course.
“Argentina don’t play great football but they have an incredible desire.
“They all run a lot together, they all have that aggressiveness… and then they have Messi, who when he gets in the box is very decisive.
“Personally, I would be happy for him if he wins it.”
Argentina will take on the winner of tomorrow’s clash between France and Morocco in Sunday’s final.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
