HALF-TIMEpublished at 45+4 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Argentina in complete control thanks to Messi and Alvarez.
Croatia have proven a tough old nut to crack in this World Cup, but it will take something truly special to stop them going out tonight.
Summary
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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HALF-TIMEpublished at 45+4 mins
Postpublished at 45+4 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
I think everyone agrees that Julian Alvarez has been brilliant. So I'll just add that I too think he's good. But it's all my own opinion. Plus, I thought it first. I just didn't say it, alright.
'Superb performance from Alvarez'published at 19:48 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 LiveAlvarez has been brilliant, he's been the threat running in behind. We talk about Messi but the way he has played in this first half with his goal and winning the penalty, he has been superb.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 45+3 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Ivan Perisic chips a tame, aimless cross out for a goal-kick. It sums up the way the last 10 minutes have gone for Croatia.
Postpublished at 19:48 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Guy Mowbray
Commentator on BBC TVThe movement of Julian Alvarez should be put on as a coaching clinic for all want-to-be strikers.
Alvarez punishing Croatia with runs in behindpublished at 19:47 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Jermaine Jenas
Former England midfielder on BBC TVJulian Alvarez is killing Croatia with those runs in behind. That is one thing that Dejan Lovren does not want to see.
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Spider-Man Alvarez showing the world what we already know at Man City.
Jonathan, London
Postpublished at 45+1 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
There are going to be four added minutes. I reckon Croatia just want to be back in the dressing room for a rethink.
Postpublished at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 LiveThat sums Croatia up in the first half. They have had the ball, dominated in midfield, some nice little passes but no threat whatsoever, nothing on target.
Postpublished at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Lusail Stadium
Image source, BBC SportCroatia boss Zlatko Dalic is out on the touching and has been doing the universal gesture for 'calm down lads, calm down'.
He has the teamtalk of his life to give at half-time.
Postpublished at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 LiveEvery pass from Croatia is a backwards pass at the moment, they are under pressure. Argentina have got their tails up and they are chasing everything.
get involved Get Involved - Messi to secure GOAT status?published at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
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Messi will be the unchallenged GOAT if they win this tournament, moreover if he wins the Golden Boot. Ronaldo's recent behaviour and performances mean he'll soon be a forgotten man.
Joe, Wimbledon
I wonder how Ronaldo feels about Messi not only performing for his country but also on the brink of maybe collecting that one elusive trophy. Would put to bed the GOAT question once and for all.
Rich, Manchester.
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 45 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Oh, they almost do find that foothold back in it!
Luka Modric sees a shot blocked but Croatia keep it alive for Josip Juranovic to send in a deflected cross that Emi Martinez palms away.
Postpublished at 44 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
You forgive Croatia for having scrambled heads. They've seen this game taken away from them in the space of a few mad minutes.
But they can't lose their heads now. They need to find a foothold.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 19:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
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Not one, but two unbelievably fortunate bounces and ricochets of the ball for Alvarez. But his pace and direct running caused fear and panic in the Croatian defence.
Andrew
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 19:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 LiveBrilliant reactions from Livakovic, he's just kept them in the competition. You just hope you've got enough on it and boy did he. He had to, otherwise that would have been curtains for Croatia.
No problems for Messipublished at 19:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Lusail StadiumCroatia's defence has been their strength so they will be distraught at how those goals came about but Argentina have got this World Cup semi-final at their feet now.
This stadium is a wall of sound.
Postpublished at 19:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
Andy Cryer
BBC Sport in QatarIncredible sight and sound.
The Argentina fans are bouncing up and down as one and belting out "Muchachos, ahora nos volvimo' a ilusionar".
get involved Get Involved - should Croatia go more direct?published at 19:43 Greenwich Mean Time 13 December 2022
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Maybe, just maybe, Croatia could start putting some of their corners into the box when they have one instead of playing it short and allowing Argentina to press them??
Adam in Edinburgh
Postpublished at 43 mins
Argentina 2-0 Croatia
OH WOW! What a save!
Nicolas Tagliafico and Alexis Mac Allister dart to the near post and one gets his head to the ball. It is on target and flying. Somehow, Dominik Livakovic gets down and stops it crossing the line.
It takes a touch of a Croatia defender on its way, but stays away from the net.
That goes in and this game is over.