Argentina are bidding to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 2014, and the sixth time overall
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Argentina are one step away from reaching the final of World Cup 2022, with Croatia standing in their way on Tuesday night.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have impressed in Qatar, winning their group ahead of Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia before overcoming Australia and the Netherlands in the knockout stages.
Argentinian great Lionel Messi is chasing the first World Cup title of his illustrious career in what will be the 35-year-old’s final tournament appearance.
When was the last time Argentina were in the World Cup final?
Germany's Mario Gotze struck the winner in extra time in 2014 (Image credit: PA)
Argentina last reached the World Cup final during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Messi played a starring role in getting them there, scoring four goals in the group stage and setting up Angel Di Maria’s extra-time winner over Switzerland in the last 16.
Alejandro Sabella‘s side then overcame Belgium 1-0 in the quarter-finals before beating the Netherlands on penalties in the semi-finals – just like they did a stage earlier in Qatar.
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However, a strong Germany side proved a step too far for the Albiceleste, as Mario Gotze’s goal in extra-time sealed a close-fought encounter.
It was a heartbreaking conclusion to the tournament for Argentina after Manuel Neuer kept them at bay, but Messi was awarded the Golden Ball for player of the tournament at full-time.
Argentina’s all-time World Cup final record
1930: Uruguay 4-2 Argentina
1978: Argentina 3-1 Netherlands (AET)
1986: Argentina 3-2 West Germany
1990: West Germany 1-0 Argentina
2014: Germany 1-0 Argentina (AET)
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Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.
