Croatia’s lineup is completely unchanged from their last match.
Argentina switched from a 3-5-2 against the Dutch to a 4-4-2 this time round, Paredes replacing Lisandro Martinez. Tagliafico takes Acuna’s spot at left-back.
Croatia had most of the ball in the early proceedings, but did little with it. The wind was taken out of their sails when Alvarez earned a penalty after being put through on goal and Messi dispatched the spotkick.
To me, that was not a penalty. Livakovic did what every goalkeeper would do by planting himself firmly in front of Alvarez. With Croatia’s defenders racing back, Alvarez was never getting to the ball. Alvarez charged himself at Livakovic who was stationary. But I think Croatia would have lost in the end anyway, penalty or not.
Argentina doubled their lead through Alvarez again after 2 Croatian defenders failed to put enough behind their attempted clearances. With Croatia scoring not more than 1 goal in 4 of their last 5 World Cup matches, the game was practically sealed.
Croatia changed to a 4-4-2 in the 2nd half, Petkovic replacing Brozovic. Argentina also made a tactical formation change, reverting to their defensive counter-attack plan against the Netherlands when they also went 2-0 up, as Lisandro Martinez substituted Paredes.
Soon after the swap, Messi performed brilliantly to juke Gvardiol and set Alvarez up for another.
With a World Cup final well beyond the reach of the Croatians, Luka Modric was taken off. This substitution gave Luka Modric a dedicated standing ovation, and both sets of fans roused in applause.
The match ended 3-0. Croatia never really looked like they had a chance of getting back into the game with Argentina defending doggedly.
Argentina avenge their 3-0 crushing to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup. The difference was in the players. Argentina benefitted from the emergence of new stars like Emi Martinez, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, MacAllister, Alvarez and Molina. Croatia on the other hand have lost Mandzukic, Rakitic and Vida while their best players like Modric, Perisic and Lovren have entered the twilight of their careers.
Messi’s Argentina have one last hurdle to cross. I think it will be in the form of France.
BLOGOPUS 