Looking for a place in the FIFA World Cup final, Emi Martínez’s Argentina took on the resilient Croatia in the first semi-final. Here’s how things panned out at the Lusail Stadium…
Starting his sixth consecutive game in Qatar, Emiliano Martínez looked to build upon his penalty-shootout heroics last time out against the Netherlands. His captain, Lionel Messi, looked to add to his illustrious collection of trophies with a World Cup victory in the middle-east.
The game began as expected: cagey, with both sides not prepared to let their opponent gain an early advantage. Argentina appeared to have more of an impetus about their play, but failed to pose any real danger within the opening half an hour.
Then, out of nowhere, the game sparked into life after Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez was brought down in the box by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. Messi stepped up from 12 yards and blasted the ball into the roof of the net, giving his nation the lead after 34 minutes.
Moments later, an expertly executed counter-attack left Álvarez bearing down on goal once more. The 22 year-old forward, after a couple of lucky ricochets, was able to poke the ball past the onrushing Livaković and into the net for 2-0. The South-Americans were in the driving seat at the break.
Martínez was only really called into action once during the first-half, denying an attempt at the front-post. The 30 year-old shot-stopper was now only 45 minutes away from his third clean sheet of the tournament and, more importantly, a place in the final.
Argentina seemed to have really stepped up in this game and were playing some delightful stuff at times. Messi nearly doubled his tally on the night after playing a swift one-two with forward teammate Álvarez, but the maestro’s effort was straight down the throat of Livaković who put it behind for a corner.
Croatia nearly found their way back into the tie from a free-kick after former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren met an inviting cross. Emi Martínez was on hand to deny the 33 year-old centre-back however, punching the ball away before a defender cleared the danger completely.
La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue) ramped up the pressure just before the 70 minute mark and a piece of individual brilliance from Lionel Messi helped to put the game to bed. The seven time Ballon d’Or winner sumptuously found his way past a number of defenders before putting it on a plate for Álvarez who couldn’t miss. It was his second of the game and a third for Argentina.
This goal seemed to deflate Croatia entirely and from here, Zlatko Dalić’s men rarely threatened. Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister had the best opportunity in the closing stages, but his shot was skewed wide.
Martinez was able to claim that highly sought after third clean sheet and with relative ease too. The former Arsenal man was barely tested in the second half, with a tame Ivan Perišić free-kick the only stop he had to make in the final 15 minutes.
It was arguably Argentina’s finest performance of the competition and Lionel Scaloni’s side now find themselves in a World Cup final; something that seemed unlikely after their opening fixture defeat to Saudi Arabia.
PLAYER RATING
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION
UP NEXT
Scaloni’s side now await the result of the other semi-final fixture between Morocco and France as Argentina are one win away from their third World Cup in history.
The final will take place on Sunday 18th December with kick-off at 3pm from the Lusail Stadium.
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
DONATE
UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog— is now accepting small donations, which will help to support the site’s ongoing evolution.
Thank you so much for your support.
UTV PODCAST HQ | LATEST NEWS
SUBSCRIBE
Enjoying this article – then please subscribe to UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog to help us grow and support the site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released article.
Plus, it’s completely free.
PARTNERS
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Fanatics. Throughout the season, we will bring you special offers and discount codes.
KITBAG
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook and Twitter readers, click the respective icon below to follow our utvpodcast social media accounts.
