0
0
[ad_1]
Argentina’s win was their best performance of the World Cup – www.espn.com – SOCCER
AL DAAYEN, Qatar — Knockout tournaments like the World Cup generally require you to finish strong, unlike, say, a league format where you can build up a big lead at the start and hobble first across the finish line. Argentina evidently got the message. On the night that Lionel Messi scored his 11th World Cup goal (surpassing Gabriel Batistuta for most in the country’s men’s tournament history) in his 25th World Cup match (equaling Lothar Matthaus) they reached their sixth World Cup final in the most convincing way possible.
Argentina came out for their pre-match warmup with the swagger of a pro wrestler, as the Lusail Stadium DJ played Rodrigo’s “La Mano de Dios,” the homage to Diego Maradona set to a “cumbia” beat. And, as with a pro wrestler’s entrance music, the mostly Albiceleste crowd dutifully popped.
Big entrances, though, mean little when they are not backed up by big performances. Argentina had, in fact, been getting better as the tournament wore on. Apart from the third group game against Poland, though, they had failed to put together a 90-minute performance, letting a two-goal margin slip against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals (they eventually advanced on penalties) and nearly doing the same against Australia in the round of 16.
– World Cup 2022: News and features | Bracket | Schedule
Tuesday night at Lusail Iconic Stadium was different. This was comprehensive. This was confident. This was control. And, while Messi opened the scoring from the spot and provided a ridiculous moment of skill in setting up the third goal, this was a team performance. Whatever Messi dependency may have afflicted them in the past was cured on the night. He was merely the cherry on top.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni knew how Croatia were going to play. His counterpart Zlatko Dalic made no secret of it. In his view, he had the “best midfield in the world” in Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, and he was going to use it to control the game as much as he could. It was the gameplan that worked so well against Brazil: make the opposition chase you when you have the ball, not least because, if you have possession, the other guys can’t score on you.
Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!
Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Wild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!
Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.
Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!
SlotJar Safe Online Casino
Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Play Securely at LucksCasino.com
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.
The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:
- Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
- High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
- Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
- Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
- Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
- Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.
This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.
Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.
At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.
Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.
In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.
In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.
Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.
At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.
We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.
As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.
So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!
Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.
2 Related
To counter the threat, Argentina switched to a back four and a de facto diamond in midfield. Out went Lisandro Martinez at the back, in came Leandro Paredes, a ball-playing defensive midfielder. With Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, it not only meant they had an extra man in the middle to counter Croatia’s trio, they also had a midfield that could ratchet up the intensity.
That mattered against a Croatia side who is older and who had gone to penalties twice in the preceding rounds. Just after the half-hour mark, Fernandez’s through-ball found Julian Alvarez, who was brought down by Dominik Livakovic in the box. Messi converted from the spot.
Moments later, Argentina got a dose of good fortune, but of the sort that favors the brave. Alvarez picked up a loose ball near halfway and powered forward on the counter like a runaway freight train. The ball caromed off Josko Gvardiol (twice) and then Borna Sosa and yet, as if by magic, remained in Alvarez’s path for him to poke home.
Argentina were up 2-0 and on their way. In fact, they could have made it three before the break but Livakovic was alert on Nicolas Tagliafico’s near-post header.
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez each scored in Argentina’s dominant semifinal win over Croatia on Tuesday. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Dalic is a never-say-die guy, but also a realist. He clearly realized that his midfield triangles weren’t going to get Croatia back into the game, and by the fifth minute of the second half, he had sent on two wingers (Mislav Orsic and Nikola Vlasic) and a burly center-forward (Bruno Petkovic) while taking off his midfield general in Brozovic. Croatia were going to go direct.
Scaloni countered Dalic’s chess move with one of his own. Out came Paredes, in went Martinez, giving Argentina a back three and extra bodies to counter the inevitable aerial assault.
Dan Thomas is joined by Craig Burley, Shaka Hislop and others to bring you the latest highlights and debate the biggest storylines. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S. only).
Argentina were comfortable and organized and could launch counters. And then, of course, there was the Messi factor: the fact that anywhere, at any time, he can do something unthinkable. With 20 minutes to go, he received the ball in transition, wide right around the halfway mark, with Gvardiol on his heels.
This was 35-year-old Messi against Gvardiol, who is not just 15 years Messi’s junior but also one of the best young defenders in Europe. You expect Messi to conjure up some sort of footwork trickery to find space, or maybe see (and pull off) a pass that nobody else sees. You do not expect him to take the young’un for a ride.
But that’s what he did.
Messi went on one of those runs were he appears to take 10 steps a second, with Gvardiol on top of him, matching him step for step. A shimmy, a stop-start, Messi couldn’t shake his mark, though. Still, the ball remained glued to his foot. A dragback, a pirouette, and still Gvardiol was there, impossible to lose, like the reflection in a mirror. And so Messi faked one way and went the other, legs pumping ever faster, and somehow dribbled around Gvardiol, the way he might have done around a thousand and one orange cones in training as a child. This was a feat as athletic as it was technical. It’s not what you expect from a veteran. But then, Messi is Messi.
He capped it off with a simple square ball into the box, which the waiting Alvarez side-footed home and that was that. Except, of course, for the highlight-reel memory of an unreal piece of skill that has probably already been turned into a GIF.
[ad_2]
#Argentinas #win #performance #World #Cup
