Neville: 'The referee was harsh on Croatia'

In the 32nd minute of the match at Lusail, Julian Alvarez escaped into the Croatian penalty area and bounced the ball past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The Argentine striker fell after a collision with Livakovic. Immediately, the referee Daniele Orsato blew the penalty for Argentina. He did not withdraw the decision despite the reaction of the Croatian players. Goalkeeper Livakovic even received a yellow card, and a member of the coaching staff - former striker Mario Mandzukic received a red card for his reaction.

On BT Sport channel (England), former defender Neville commented: "The referee's decision is harsh. What can goalkeeper Livakovic do in that situation?".

According to former Man Utd midfielder Roy Keane, Livakovic was completely at fault in the collision phase. And former Arsenal striker Ian Wright thinks the Croatia keeper can do nothing but stand when Alvarez rushes in. He also said that Alvarez's push was not good, otherwise, the ball would have gone straight into the goal.

However, on BBC (England), former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer said that the penalty was completely clear. The top scorer in Premier League history said: "Alvarez pushed the ball over, and goalkeeper Livakovic stopped him. For me, it was the right decision."

Former goalkeeper Robert Green also shared the view with Shearer. According to a member of the England squad for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Livakovic knew he couldn't stop the ball and was clearly linked with Alvarez in the ensuing collision.

Former Arsenal player Lee Dixon, former Scotland international, Ally McCoist and former referee Peter Walton also agreed with referee Orsato's handling. Walton analyzed: "Livakovic needs to make sure to make contact with the ball. If not, he will block the opponent's momentum. He moves forward means a collision will happen. It sounds like it. harsh, but it was a foul."

After Messi's opening goal from 11m, Argentina only needed five minutes to double the lead. This time, Alvarez broke through from the middle of the field, then shot in the face of Livakovic. In the 69th minute, the Man City striker set the score 3-0 for Argentina by placing his heart from Messi's right wing assist.

This victory put Argentina into the final on December 18, meeting the winner of the France - Morocco pair. Croatia will compete for third place.