Argentina qualified for the FIFA World Cup final following its 3-0 victory over Croatia, the defending champion, at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi opened Argentina’s goals from a penalty kick in the 34th minute, obtained by Julian Alvarez, following a collision with goalkeeper Dominic Levakovic, and five minutes later Alvarez added the second goal following an individual effort and a mistake in Croatia’s defense.
Croatia, who came from behind to win penalties once morest Japan and Brazil in the last two rounds, tried to come back in the second half but the Argentine defense had no problem keeping a clean sheet.
Alvarez sealed Argentina’s victory when Messi launched from the right and kept the ball despite attempts by defender Yusco Gvardiol, before passing it to the Manchester City striker, who scored from close range in the 69th minute.
Argentina maintained their perfect record in their fifth World Cup semi-final appearance.
Argentina will play with the winner of the defending champions France and Morocco, who will meet on Wednesday.
