FIFA World Cup 2022, Semi Finals: Julián Álvarez secures Argentina final berth with brace

The world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosted by Qatar and eventually, the hosts crashed out of the tournament on the back of their poor run in the tournament. After fighting hard in the group stages, Round of 16 and quarter-finals, Argentina and Croatia faced off in the first semi-finals of the epic tournament. With Lionel Messi announcing that it would be his last World Cup, fans hoped that the La Albiceleste would make a cut to the summit clash of the tournament.

On the other hand, it was all about creating history for Croatia, as they awaited the kick-off of the much-awaited and anticipated match in the contest. It was a spectacular initial 15 minutes as neither of the teams managed to take the lead and much to the surprise of the Croatian fans, it was their team who were dominating the first half, despite failing to score a goal although one has to agree that they created too many opportunities.

Fans, on the other hand, were hoping for a tough fight from both sides given that the two teams came into the semi-finals only through sheer hard work. While many predicted a 0-0 scoreline at the end of the first half, Messi capitalized on a penalty and opened the lead for his team in the 34th minute. Much to the stupefaction of the spectators, Julián Álvarez doubled the lead in the 39th minute and put his team on the front foot right away. Eventually, the first half ended with a scoreline of 2-0 in Argentina's favour, on the back of stupendous goals from Messi and Álvarez.

Clash for finals as Argentina-Croatia fight in FIFA World Cup 2022

Eventually, the second half started with Argentina mastering the confidence and holding their nerves better than in the first half. Many opined that it would be an easy cakewalk for the La Albiceleste and predicted that they might face France in the summit clash, although the winner of the semi-finals 1 facing Morocco in the summit clash looks highly likely as well. Much to the surprise of the Argentinian fans, Álvarez grabbed a brace to his name in the 69th minute, tripling the lead against the low-morale Croatian team.

After fighting hard for 90 minutes, it was Argentina who won the match with a scoreline of 3-0. It was a historic day for the team as they sealed the finals berth and are now just one win away from lifting the prestigious trophy, for which they have been fighting against tough opponents in the world's biggest sporting event that kicked off almost a month ago.