Lionel Messi has defined why he modified his penalty-taking method throughout Argentina’s 2022 World Cup semi-final conflict with Croatia.
- All-time nice on track at Qatar 2022
- Has scored 4 instances from the spot
- Elusive international title now inside attain
WHAT HAPPENED? That spot-kick was the 35-year-old’s fourth – together with shootouts – at a worldwide gathering in Qatar, with solely a kind of (which was saved by Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny) failing to hit the again of the online. Messi has tended to favour a affected person method to penalty obligation, ready for an opponent to maneuver between the sticks earlier than choosing his facet, however opted to go for energy and precision in opposition to Croatia when firing into the highest nook.
WHAT THEY SAID: With Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic having helped his nation to 2 shootout victories previous to dealing with Argentina, Messi mentioned on altering his methods in opposition to a confirmed penalty stopper: “I studied the Croatian goalkeeper’s method with (Geronimo) Rulli and with Dibu (Emi Martinez). We talked about how he waited so much. The perfect factor to do was to shock and hit him without delay, as a substitute of ready and holding him. Once they maintain him for a very long time, it is tough. I used to be decided to kick like that.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Messi has discovered the goal in 5 of Argentina’s six video games at Qatar 2022, making him the joint-top scorer on the match alongside Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe – who he’ll line up in opposition to when a worldwide crown comes up for grabs on Sunday.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? Argentina are set to face defending champions France within the 2022 World Cup remaining, with Messi hoping that he’ll get a couple of extra sights of aim in opposition to Les Bleus whereas avoiding the drama of one other battle of nerves in a dreaded shootout.
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