3️⃣ POINTS AS ARGENTINA DEMOLISH CROATIA

 

THREE POINTS FROM ARGENTINA 3-0 CROATIA

WHAT WE LEARNT AS ARGENTINA DEMOLISHED CROATIA IN THE FIRST WORLD CUP 2022 SEMI-FINAL

-Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: Indian Express


 

1.      Messi’s Magic: This World Cup is basically a Lionel Messi highlight reel. The GOAT is the highest scorer, the highest assister, and has a goal and an assist in three of six games. He really took that stat of never scoring in a World Cup knockout game, and decided to completely tear it to shreds. Just like he did to Croatia on Tuesday night. Leo Messi stepped up to take a penalty, rocketing it into the top corner to give Argentina the lead. Into the second half, and Lionel Messi danced and glided and turned Josko Gvardiol, the best defender at this World Cup, inside and out, before serving the ball up on a plate for Julian Alvarez to slot home comfortably. The Moroccan and French defenders will be absolutely terrified seeing the Messiah in this sort of mood.

2.      Just How Good Argentina Are: Argentina had a great squad in 2014, and a good one in 2018. But something about this one in Qatar just feels different. In 2014, it felt like the Argentine side were waiting for Leo Messi to create something out of nothing, to dig them out of a tough spot. In 2018, it felt like it was only a matter of time before Argentina crashed out, and that 3-4 scoreline against France makes it look much closer than it actually was. This time, though, this Argentina squad is hungry and ambitious, ruthless and efficient, determined and defiant. As we saw against the Netherlands and Croatia, every single one of them is willing to put their bodies on the line, to throw themselves at the ball till the very end. And now, only one hurdle stands between them and finally giving Leo Messi his crown jewel.

3.      Croatia-Defiant: 2018 was supposed to be Croatia’s peak. For such a young country, with a population less than that of the city of New York, reaching a World Cup final was more than anyone could have ever imagined. This time around, many thought Croatia wouldn’t even make it out of the Group of Death. Ivan Rakitic is no longer around, Ante Rebic isn’t either, and Mario Mandzukic is now part of the coaching staff. And yet, with 37-year old Luka Modric tugging the strings like a master puppeteer, Croatia somehow engineered themselves past Belgium and Brazil to find themselves in the semi-final. While it could have gone better for them against Argentina on Tuesday, it must not take away from the sheer grit and achievement of the Croatians. As one fan put it, sad at the loss, but not disappointed with this team that exceeded all expectations. Never disappointed.

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