Postpublished at 61 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
For the sake of the contest, a Croatia goal is the ideal scenario. Give us 20-odd minutes of these two slugging it out with just a goal between them.
Image source, Getty ImagesSummary
Use audio icon at top of page to listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary from the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar
RESULT: Argentina 3-0 Croatia - Lionel Messi scores first-half penalty to give Argentina lead, Julian Alvarez scores either side of half time
Argentina last reached the World Cup final in 2014 where they lost to Germany
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Postpublished at 61 mins
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 60 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
We've had an hour. Argentina's strong grip on the game remains.
Croatia need to act and act fast.
Postpublished at 20:18 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Lusail StadiumArgentina midfielder Leandro Paredes is having a brilliant game in the middle of the park.
He's made four tackles, won five duels and won the ball back six times, which is more than any other team-mate.
A real grafter in there, doing all of the dirty work.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 20:18 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 LiveThat outball for Alvarez against Lovren, that is the ball for Argentina.
Croatia lack cutting edgepublished at 20:18 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Lusail StadiumCroatia pass the ball around in nice little patterns but it's not getting them anywhere. They need cutting edge and they need it now. None so far.
Postpublished at 58 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
That was a proper championship bout of a contest between Messi and Gvardiol. The world's best forward and against the World Cup's best defender. That's why you pay the entrance fee.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 57 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Big chance for Messi to end this contest!
He and Josko Gvardiol go toe to toe, but the little forward holds his own. He lays the ball off and moves to collect the return pass. It sends him just a fraction too wide, though, and it allows for the save.
Image source, Getty Imagesget involved Get Involved - 'Still time for drama'published at 20:16 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
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Looking safe at 2-0 for Argentina. But we all said the same against the Netherlands. Still time for drama.
Lily, Wighan
Postpublished at 20:16 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in QatarThe fans are jumping from side to side in unison. It's a bit like the Poznan, but just facing the right way.
It's very much party time here for Argentina... although they thought that when they were leading the Dutch 2-0.
Postpublished at 57 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
And there is the danger for Croatia!
They've come out and pushed forward but it leaves gaps at the back. Argentina break and Enzo Fernandez is only a well-timed interception from a Croatia defender from having a clear shot in the box.
Postpublished at 56 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Stay with your man, win the individual battles, keep your shape. Croatia have the players to pick a gap and Argentina know that.
Postpublished at 55 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Argentina are firmly in a holding pattern. They know they need to see off whatever Croatia can throw at them. Kill their spirit and hope.
'Croatia have had to gamble'published at 20:13 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 LiveAlready Croatia are asking more questions of Argentina's back four. There's more movement, more bodies in there. They have gambled which is what they had to do.
get involved Get Involved - Messi to get one last dance?published at 20:13 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
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Looks like it's done and dusted for Argentina to be in the final. Surely one last dance for Messi, surely football hasn't got something else scripted?
Billy, London
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 53 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Well, Croatia are certainly giving it a go.
A poor pass stops them getting a shot away before a cross from the right deflects and loops to Emi Martinez.
Nikola Vlasic is getting busy.
Postpublished at 52 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Ernest, I think if Messi is tied to a chair on halfway you still stick two men on him.
get involved Get Involved - was Messi limping a grand plan?published at 20:11 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
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Was the sight of Messi cluching at his hamstring and limping a grand plan by Argentina so Croatia lets down their guard at their typically fortified defence wall? We will never know, but my conspiracy theory there for the takers.
Ernest, Scotland
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 20:11 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 LiveWith Croatia having to come out a bit more, that should suit Argentina with the players that they have and the pace they have up front.
SUBSTITUTIONpublished at 50 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Another Croatia change. Zlatko Dalic twisting in a big way.
Bruno Petkovic is on for Marcelo Brozokic. The Croatian midfield trio broken up.
They need to force something to happen. They will likely go more direct now. Like the Netherlands with Wout Weghorst, which worked pretty well.
Postpublished at 20:09 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 LiveCroatia had to do something because they have got to try and chase the game a bit. At 1-0 they are used to it but 2-0 is a different matter. They've got to open up a bit and gamble.