And so, just like that, we are down to three. Either Morocco, France or Argentina will win this year’s World Cup as Croatia were dumped out of the World Cup in the final four. Either France or Morocco will reach the final tomorrow night, but here is all the latest news from Qatar.
What can you say about a night like tonight? Lionel Messi was utterly magnificent, again, as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach the World Cup final. He scored a penalty, but it was his skill for the third goal that truly caught the eye.
He kept the ball in on the touchline, dribbled past Josko Gvardiol, slowed down, dribbled past him again, slowed down, then twisted him in a knot before squaring the ball for Julian Alvarez to tap in. The magician has now got himself into the World Cup final for the second time, and he will be desperate to right those wrongs of 2014.
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Meanwhile Julian Alvarez has now scored four goals at this World Cup and is in the conversation for the Golden Boot, having hit two past Croatia. His second was a terrific solo run, while he won the penalty for the opener. He’s transformed this Argentina team and now, they are one win away from the ultimate achievement.
Farewell Luka
Croatia’s exit at the semi-final stage, is nothing to be ashamed of. The country with a population of four million has overachieved once again and continues to produce some of the finest footballers in the world.
One of those, Luka Modric, surely said goodbye to the world stage tonight. He’s 37, and unlikely to make it to the next World Cup, while even the Euros in 2024 would be a push. Even so, we saw some Modric magic on show again tonight. His touch was sublime, and he even pulled off a cheeky nutmeg to the wonderment of the crowd.
If this was it for Modric, what a career he has had. Five Champions League wins, one World Cup final and a Ballon d’Or. Truly, one of the greatest midfielders we have ever seen.
Morocco boss claims it is ‘our time’
Walid Regragui has performed miracles in the four months he has been in charge of the Moroccan national team and now, on the eve of his country’s biggest ever game, he has delivered another rousing speech.
In his pre-match press conference he said: "Why not reach the final of the World Cup? We will show great desire and try to pull off an upset," said Regragui in his latest press conference. "We've come to this competition to change mindsets within our continent.
“We are on a mission and I can assure you - we are not tired. We will run, there won't be any fatigue. We have a huge chance. I don't want to waste it and wait another 40 years. This is our time."
Lloris texts Harry
Hugo Lloris has told the press that he text clubmate Harry Kane after he missed the crucial penalty that sent England crashing out of the World Cup. Kane had already scored one penalty past Lloris, but sent his second effort over the bar in England’s 2-1 defeat.
"It's a difficult time for the England national team and Harry," said Lloris.
"We had a text after the game. It was not easy to find the words. He needed some time to rest.
"I think he can be proud of what he has done for the national team.
"In football history, many top players have missed penalties in their career - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo - but I have no doubt Harry will keep his chin up and help Tottenham and the national team to shine."
