Argentina overcame Croatia in the semi-final (3-0) in a match that went from less to more. From not being bright at all, especially in the first bars, boring and scattered, to being placid and colorful. Because in the beginning there was fear, a lot of fear. Stage panic because of everything at stake and fear of making mistakes. The duel was a bag of nerves until Messi opened the scoring. It was as if that goal relieved the tension of the South American team, who from then on, with the wind in their favour, produced one of the best performances of the entire tournament.
Gone were the Dantesque images of the match against the Netherlands. The duel with Croatia was more noble, with no outstanding incidents on the pitch, beyond the typical reproaches in a World Cup semi-final. No insults, provocative gestures or fights. The weather also helped, because the score, in the blink of an eye, went from being tied to being in favor of Messi’s team. Argentina reached the final and Croatia, with sportsmanship, acknowledged defeat. They had fallen with honor, more so than the result might indicate.
The penalty that decides the semifinal
Nothing of note had happened, no shot between the three posts, until a Croatian defensive mismatch arrived. Julián Álvarez received in space. Aranya tried to dribble past the goalkeeper. But Livakovic brought him down and the referee whistled for a penalty. Unlike others, this one was unquestionable. The ghosts did not overshadow Messi, who advanced Argentina. Croatia took the bait, wanted to equalize straight away and the South American team met with a counterattack that Julián, alone against the world and with a small dose of fortune, culminated with the second goal. The classification was in the bag and it was only necessary to tie it tightly. This was taken care of by Messi, who made a trademark move for the home side, unwrapping Josko Gvardiol’s marking and serving the third in the tray for Aranya.
Croatia had run out of options. The Balkan team, the surprise of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they reached the final, were on the verge of making history again after knocking out Brazil. But this time the resistance was infinitely lower. Luka Modric, who at the age of 37 was playing in his last World Cup, left the field of play in a huff, aware that the last bullet to win the biggest title of all had gone. Croatia also fell victim to nerves and, curiously, didn’t relax until they were trailing on the scoreboard. But Argentina proved to be a giant in defense, conceding only a couple of clear-cut chances to the opposition. And, in attack, with spaces and a runaway Messi, it was even surprising that the scoreboard was not wider.
Argentina surprised by the good management of the match. That selection under suspicion was cautious and dull at the start, but solvent, courageous and effective with the scoreboard in their favor. He had learned from his mistakes, and gave such a suffering fan a sweet and festive ending. Now he only has one last step left, against France or Morocco. Leo Messi is 90 minutes away from glory.
