Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to reach World Cup final
Lusail (Qatar)(AP/PTI): Lionel Messi bent over, clutched his left hamstring and appeared to grimace, immediately spreading panic through the soccer world but especially among all Argentines.
Before long, Messi was producing perhaps the best performance of his record-tying 25 appearances at the World Cup, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Croatia on Tuesday that set up a meeting with either France or Morocco in Sunday's final.
Messi converted a penalty and played a part in the other two goals by Juli n lvarez one with an outrageous piece of skill that brought roars of approval from Argentina's huge following to turn an initially tense occasion into a procession.
"A lot is going through my head it's very emotional seeing all of this," Messi said in a post-match interview on the field as he looked up at Argentina's celebrating, scarf-waving supporters. "To see the fans the family' during the whole tournament was so incredible. We're going to the final, which is what we wanted."
It will be Messi's second World Cup final Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 in what might be his last appearance at the tournament.
"I am honored to train him and see him play," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was in tears in the post-match celebrations. "Every time you see him play, it's a huge source of motivation for his teammates, fans and the whole world."
Croatia failed in its bid to reach a second straight World Cup final after conceding two goals in a five-minute span from the 34th, just when the team was looking comfortable at Lusail Stadium.
Messi was soon toying with his opponents in a way only he can and put Argentina ahead by lifting his penalty into the top corner after lvarez was taken out by Dominik Livakovic after clipping the ball past the Croatia goalkeeper.
lvarez scored himself in the 39th after a surging run from halfway, which started after he collected Messi's short pass. Then came the crowning moment, lvarez's second goal, after Messi took Gvardiol for a ride in the right corner.
It was one game too far for Croatia, which had beaten Japan and Brazil on penalties in the knockout stage, and star midfielder Luka Modric, who at 37 has likely played his final World Cup match.
Summing up a frustrating game for the little midfield magician, he was substituted in the 81st minute and had a bright red nose after the ball slammed into his face moments earlier.
"The first goal took the match in a different direction," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said. "It's the true Messi we all expected to see."
Argentina maintained its record of never having lost in the World Cup semifinals and has reached the final for the sixth time.
"Even though we lost our first match, we were confident that this group was going to push forward," Messi said. "We know what we are, and we called on the fans to believe in us."
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Domestic help held for stealing employer's silver worth Rs 35 lakh in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A domestic worker has been arrested for allegedly stealing 12.5 kg of silver articles worth around Rs 35 lakh from the house of her employer here, police said on Friday.
Chaitra has been arrested by the Jeevan Bima Nagar Police Station.
She had been working for the past two-and-a-half years at the residence of a surgeon attached to a reputed hospital in the city, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh told reporters.
According to him, the woman is a native of Davangere and allegedly stole silver utensils and Pooja articles from the house in phases.
“The family had stored about 12.5 kg of silver utensils on the upper floor, which were meant to be used only during festivals."
“She allegedly took one item at a time, pledged it to raise money and spent the amount. To avoid suspicion, she continued to work in the same house,” they added.
A few days before Deepavali, the accused reportedly quit her job.
“When the family opened the bag containing the silver utensils as part of festival preparations, they found the items missing and approached the police,” the Commissioner said.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered and an investigation was launched.
“We questioned former employees and during Chaitra’s interrogation, the theft came to light. We have recovered 12.5 kg of silver articles worth approximately Rs 35 lakh from her possession,” he stated.
A case has been registered and further investigation is in progress.
According to police sources, she cited the need for money for her husband’s cancer treatment, police sources said.
