Ally McCoist is the star of Argentina vs Croatia, according to social media.
The Scot was parachuted into the commentary team for ITV's semi-match alongside Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon – and he stole the show from the other two with his laid-back style and enthusiasm for watching Lionel Messi's masterclass.
So much so that he's now trending on Twitter.
ITV adding Ally McCoist to the already contracted Matterface/Dixon duo is a real "we heard you" moment.December 13, 2022
“Alongside me in the commentary box tonight is Ally McCoist” https://t.co/IR7tFkKb94December 6, 2022
Forcing Ally McCoist to work alongside Lee Dixon, is like forcing Sherlock Holmes to work alongside Duncan from Blue.December 13, 2022
In case anyone is keeping score:Ally McCoist is running circles around Lee Dixon on co-coms.An absolute boat race out there.December 13, 2022
Ally McCoist’s commentary is arguably Scotland’s greatest performance at a World CupDecember 5, 2022
Ally McCoist is giving Lee Dixon a masterclass in co commentating tonightDecember 13, 2022
Ally McCoist: "It was just genius!"I don't know if he's talking about Messi or ITVs decision to add him to the commentary team tonight. #ArgentinaVsCroatia #ARGCRO #arg #Croatia pic.twitter.com/vdtVJZk97zDecember 13, 2022
Lionel Messi had to be the one to open the scoring, the night that he matched Lothar Matthaus’s 24-year record for all-time World Cup appearances. After Julian Alvarez was fouled by goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic, Messi netted his fourth penalty of the tournament (three in normal time, one in a shootout) by smacking it into the top corner. The penalty decision itself, however was hotly contested in the ITV studio with Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville all gobsmacked that it was given.
Before long, the lead was doubled. Messi had little to do for this one with Alvarez instead picking up the reins and darting down the pitch to finish one of the best solo goals of the World Cup so far. There were a few lucky bounces along the way but the Manchester City striker finished it with some aplomb to force Croatia to have to throw caution to the wind.
That they did – and though Messi looked to be holding his hamstring after half-time, the Flea had another moment of magic left in the tank, slicing through the Croatia defence and making Josko Gvardiol – one of the players of the tournament – look distinctly ordinary. Alvarez was there to finish but all the credit went to Messi’s incredible run.
Argentina won 3-0 to head into the World Cup final on Sunday.
