Fifa World Cup: Argentina vs Croatia Semifinal (Highlights)

Highlights from Argentina vs. Croatia's FIFA World Cup 2022 football game, live from Lusail Stadium, are shown below:

In the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Argentina overcame Croatia 3-0 on Wednesday at the Lusail Stadium courtesy to two goals from Julian Alvarez and one from Lionel Messi (IST). Following this triumph, the Lionel Messi-led team will play either France or Morocco in the tournament's championship match. Argentina has made six total appearances in World Cup finals, including two in the last eight years. Croatia, who finished second last year, was eliminated as a result of the loss and will now play the winner of the second semi-final in the third-place play-off. (Matchcentre)

Messi with a deciding penalty

For the first thirty minutes of the game, Croatia dominated.  After Ivan Perisic failed to stop Emiliano Martinez from crossing the line, the counter was launched, the players ran down the field, and Julian Alvarez found himself one-on one with Croatia's goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic. A collision was precipitated when Livakovic abruptly pulled off the road and into Alvarez's lane.  As he reached for the ball, Livakovic contested the player. Alvarez was contacted, but he was unable to make touch with the ball. Foul. An advisory to the goalkeeper Argentina receives a penalty.

No one else but Lionel Messi advanced and fired an incredible strike. World record breaking news of the record breaking news. The game had shifted in Argentina's favour at that point.

Alvarez scores solo

Five minutes later, Alvarez shown his tenacity once more. A stunning sprint that began on his own goal line, was so quick that he had to run alone in a straight line after picking up a pass from Messi in the Argentine half. Despite having to overcome three defenders, nobody could touch him.

He had two lucky bounces as he reached the penalty area and toed the ball past Livakovic to double Argentina's lead. In the first half, Argentina only seemed to have two crucial kicks, yet those kicks were enough to end the game.

Alvarez is again set up by Messi magic.

As the second half got underway, Argentina took control and carried on where the first had left off. In the 73rd minute, Messi collected the ball on the left side while being contested by Josko Gvardiol. He then performed another of his trademark runs by dancing with amazing speed and accuracy towards the penalty area. Gvardiol had no control.

Messi turned and danced close to the goal line to pass it to Alvarez for the goal.

From possibly the best player to ever play this game, a more enduring performance.

Modric led battling Croatia

Croatia did not make things easy for Messi's team, however. As he always does, Luka Modric set an excellent example and was in charge of the midfield. They worked very hard and occasionally created opportunities, but they lacked the abilities to take advantage of those rare occasions when they did arise. However, they won't start packing their bags just yet. Croatia will be back in action at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday for the third-place playoff.

On Sunday at 15:30 GMT, Argentina will return to Lusail's Iconic Stadium to accept their destiny.