ARGENTINA QUALIFIES FOR FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL AFTER 3-0 WIN AGAINST CROATIA IN SEMIS

Argentina defeated 2018 runners-up Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday in the first World Cup semifinal, thanks to two goals from swashbuckling striker Julian Alvarez and a Lionel Messi penalty. This result set up a championship match between France or Morocco on Sunday.

After goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez while he was chasing a straightforward long ball in the 34th minute, Messi gave Argentina the lead with a penalty. Five minutes later, the Manchester City forward charged 50 meters and somehow managed to hold onto the ball via two rebounds as defenders attempted to tackle him.

Croatia attempted to respond in the second half after coming from behind to defeat Brazil and Japan on penalties in the previous two rounds, but the Argentine defense stood firm against their desperate counterattack.

After 69 minutes, Alvarez scored the third goal to seal the victory. Messi then suddenly came to life, displaying mesmerizing control as he drove to the byline and pulled the ball back.

On Sunday, Argentina will compete against either France or Morocco.