As it happened: Alvarez double, Messi magic put Argentina into final

Well that was quite imperious, if I’m honest. It was a tight opening 20 minutes, and Croatia did come out fighting after the break, but the damage was done by then. The good teams have a habit of not showing their hand until it counts at the World Cup, and that’s exactly what Argentina have done in today’s 3-0 win. Lionel Messi is getting better with every game, Julian Alvarez isn’t far behind him, Enzo Fernandez had his moments and they will be tough opposition for either France or Morocco come Monday morning (Sydney time).

Croatia fall short of a second straight final, and barring the third-place play-off we’ve probably seen the end of Luka Modric on the big stage. They can hold their heads high, but that will hurt for a while.

That’s all from us, and thanks as always for your company. That was an impressive performance from Argentina, who are into their second final of the Messi era after a sublime turn from the No.10. Will the extra day’s rest prove decisive as the Albiceleste eye a first World Cup since 1986? We’ll find out soon enough.

More celebrations in Buenos Aires.Credit: Getty

Before then, though, is the second semi-final between defending champions France and arguably the story of the tournament in Morocco. We’ll be back covering that one live from about 5.30am tomorrow (AEDT). Hope to catch you again then.

Adios.

Two teammates at the Qatari-owned French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain stand in one another’s way as they endeavour to carry their respective nations to glory in tomorrow’s second semi-final.

Kylian Mbappe and Achraf Hakimi celebrate a goal from the latter for PSG.Credit: AP

Read the full story here.

Time for a change of pace from the lifestyle team.

A strong, often bitter infusion brewed hot or cold from the leaves of a plant native to South America, yerba mate is popular in Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. Some of the best footballers in the world hail from that region and swear by it, and they have spread it around the world through their club teams.

Yerba mate in a traditional calabash gourd and bag of dry herb.Credit: Shutterstock

The World Cup in Qatar, though, raised some logistical and supply challenges, not least of which was: Where would devotees find yerba mate in the Gulf?

Find out how they did here.

Posted without comment.

Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia in their first World Cup game was a turning point in the changing room, coach Lionel Scaloni said, bringing out the grit to recover, win five consecutive matches andreach the tournament final.

“After we lost to Saudi Arabia, we felt a love and support from our fans, the entire country, our people, and that was amazing because it gave us the strength and energy that we needed to recuperate,” Scaloni told reporters after Argentina swept past Croatia 3-0 in their World Cup semi-final.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.Credit: Getty

“I try not to get emotional but it’s difficult because I’m in the dream place for any Argentine. Representing my country is an emotional thing.

“Then you can win or lose, but it’s about these guys (the players) and about our people. They have been with us in defeat and it is like nothing I ever experienced.”

Reuters

The streets of Argentina, where it’s just after 8.20pm local time, have turned into a party.

Fans poured onto the streets of the capital of Buenos Aires as soon as the match ended, with people waving Argentina flags out of their cars while others jumped and sang in joy amid a sea of wearing the national team’s jersey.

Argentina fans celebrates on Buenos Aires’ famed Avenida 9 de Julio.Credit: AP

Earlier, Buenos Aires had come to a standstill on what was a scorching summer afternoon as fans packed cafes, restaurants and public plazas, where giant screens followed the exploits of the Lionel Messi-led team.

“I’m in complete ecstasy,” said Emiliano Adam, 31, who works at an advertising agency and was celebrating in the streets of Buenos Aires while wearing the country’s flag as a cape.

More fans in the capital.Credit: AP

“This is the first match that didn’t make me suffer, the first time I could enjoy a match from beginning to end.”

AP

If you’re just joining us now, we’ve got you covered.

Julian Alvarez scored twice and earned a penalty converted by Lionel Messi as Argentina swept past Croatia 3-0 and into the World Cup final where they will face either holders France or Morocco at the weekend.

Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi.Credit: Getty

While all eyes were on captain Messi and his fifth bid to win the one major trophy eluding him, it was Alvarez who stole the show on Wednesday (AEDT), earning the penalty and scoring once in each half including after a scintillating 50-metre run.

Read the full report here.

The fallout continues from the controversial decision to sell the next three grand finals to NSW, with Melbourne Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro falling on his sword overnight.

Catch up with the latest here.

Croatia tried their best to control their World Cup semi-final but a vintage performance from Argentina skipper Lionel Messi took the game away from them, coach Zlatko Dalic said after his side were beaten 3-0.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot to give Argentina the lead before setting up strike partner Julian Alvarez to find the net either side of half-time.

A tale of two 10s: Lionel Messi and Luka Modric.Credit: AP

Messi created the third goal when he got the better of defender Josko Gvardiol, who had been one of Croatia’s best players at the tournament, dribbling past the 20-year-old in tight space before finding Alvarez for an easy finish.

“He is the best player in the world, he was dangerous and he has quality,” Dalic said. “He hastechnique and put in a high-level performance, it was the true Messi we expected to see.

“Argentina have an excellent team and Messi being a player of such quality and with thousands of supporters behind him, they play as they best see fit.

“Today they had four midfielders in the middle and we tried to play aggressively. But Messi can make one move and make a difference, which he did for the third goal.”

Reuters