FIFA World Cup Semi Final: The Lusail Stadium in Qatar was the stage for an electrifying clash on December 13, 2022, as Argentina faced Croatia in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022. It was a meeting between two vastly experienced sides: Argentina, with two World Cup titles in their history and the legendary Lionel Messi in perhaps his final tournament, and Croatia, the 2018 runners-up, led by the timeless Luka Modric.
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Both teams had endured hard-fought journeys to reach this point, but on the night, Argentina delivered a commanding performance, overpowering Croatia 3–0 to secure their place in the final. Argentina entered this match with a clear sense of purpose after a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening group game.
They rebounded with three successive wins and a penalty shootout victory in contradiction of the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. Croatia, meanwhile, had proven its mettle by eliminating both Japan and Brazil. The latter was in an unforgettable shootout, demonstrating incredible mental strength and tactical maturity. With two dissimilar styles inharmonious, Argentina’s sharp, violent bout versus Croatia’s systematic midfield control, fans expected a closely disputed match.
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The game began in a balanced fashion, with both teams probing for openings. Croatia, true to their identity, looked to dominate possession through their seasoned midfield trio of Modric, Brozovic, and Kovacic. Argentina seemed happy to acknowledge the ball initially, focusing on its place on persistent and looking for quick changes. The advance came just a half-hour spot.
In the 34th minute, Argentina’s rising star Julián Alvarez made a clever run behind Croatia’s defense and was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The referee pointed to the spot, and Lionel Messi stepped up. With all eyes on him, Messi buried the penalty with conviction, smashing the ball into the top right corner and giving Argentina a 1–0 lead.
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That goal sparked a shift in momentum. Merely five minutes later, Argentina hit Croatia on a swift counter-attack. Starting from deep in his half, Alvarez picked up the ball and drove forward. He motorized finished two self-justifying challenges, rode his fluke with a couple of privileged deflections, and serenely positioned the ball past Livakovic to double Argentina’s advantage. In five minutes, Croatia had gone from looking in control to staring at a two-goal deficit.
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In the second half, Croatia tried to regroup. They began to see more of the ball and pressed higher up the pitch in search of a goal that could bring them back into the contest. However, Argentina’s defensive organization and midfield work rate kept the Croatians at bay. Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister provided energy and tactical discipline.
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Ensuring that Modric and his teammates couldn’t dictate the tempo as freely as they usually did. The decisive moment came in the 69th minute. It was a piece of magic that only Lionel Messi could conjure. Picking up the ball near the right touchline, Messi faced off against Croatia’s young defender Josko Gvardiol.
In a dazzling display of balance, close control, and spatial awareness, Messi beat Gvardiol not once. But twice, twisting and turning into the box before laying the ball on a plate for Alvarez to finish from close range. It was Messi at his mesmerizing best, and it sealed the match at 3–0. Julian Alvarez was the perfect foil for Messi in this match.
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The young striker showed maturity beyond his years, not only by scoring two goals but also by winning the crucial penalty. His drive, intensity, and courage complemented Messi’s knowledge and originality beautifully. It was a presentation that elevated Alvarez into the spotlight.
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Lionel Messi, meanwhile, continued to add to his legend. With his goal and assist, he became Argentina’s all-time top scorer in World Cups, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta. Beyond the numbers, it was his presence, leadership, and ability to produce game-defining moments that made the difference.
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On the other hand, Croatia observed like a shadow of the side that outlived Brazil just days previous. While they had more possession and passed the ball well, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Their defense, so solid throughout the tournament, was exposed by Argentina’s speed and precision.
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It was likely his last World Cup appearance, and though he didn’t reach the final this time. He departed with his legacy firmly intact. Statistically, Croatia had 61% possession and completed more passes. But Argentina had seven shots on target to Croatia’s two, a clear reflection of their superior attacking intent and execution. Argentina didn’t dominate the ball; they dominated the moments that mattered.
Their tactics were spot on, their finishing clinical, and their defensive structure almost impenetrable. This semi-final win sent Argentina to their sixth World Cup final, and their first since 2014. It felt like destiny, especially for Messi, who was now just one match away from achieving the only major honor that had eluded him.
In the end, Argentina’s 3–0 win over Croatia wasn’t just a victory. It was a display of balance between youthful energy and veteran experience, individual brilliance and collective resilience. It marked the reawakening of a footballing giant and brought Lionel Messi one step closer to completing his legendary career with the game’s greatest prize.
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