Julian Alvarez has been a breath of fresh air for Argentina since battling his way into the starting line-up – and he's just scored a magnificent goal.
The Manchester City man ran from the halfway line, capitalising on the referee waving play on in his own half. Alvarez darted through the second half – beating defenders along the way – and got the rub of the green with rebounds to double Argentina's lead.
One of the best solo goals of the tournament so far? Yeah, we reckon so.
Little bit of luck, but he won't mind! 🙌Julian Alvarez bags his third goal at this World Cup to put Argentina 2-0 up!! 🇦🇷Croatia are going to need a stellar second half to turn this around... 😬#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/WRtfQmKHY7December 13, 2022
Leandro Parades was brought into the side in a kind of 4-4-2 to pack out the midfield against the likes of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic and their possession-heavy style. Croatia were on top in the early stages too, dominating the ball for much of the first half-hour. Lionel Messi – who matched the record for all-time World Cup appearances by lining up against Croatia – was barely given a sniff in the early exchanges.
Of course, it had to be Lionel Messi who opened the scoring. The Argentina captain has been criticised for his penalty record in the past – but there was no beating this one.
The Flea has missed key spot-kicks in the past, notably in the Copa America, though he's been flawless from 12 yards so far. Prior to tonight, Messi had been given three opportunities from the spot – two in normal play, one in a shootout – and each of these penalties were taken superbly. This one might have been the best of the lot, with the ball walloped into the top corner to beat Dominic Livakovic.
