During Croatia’s World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina, assistant coach Mario Mandzukic received a red card.
After a somewhat cautious beginning to the game, Argentina was given a penalty in the 34th minute. Dominik Livakovic of Croatia, the goalkeeper, struck Julian Alvarez of Manchester City.
Livakovic received a warning for his rash challenge. Mateo Kovacic also of Chelsea received a warning for his protests. But the referee ruled that Mandzukic deserved more severe punishment.
Daniele Orsato
Italian referee Daniele Orsato dismissed the former Bayern Munich striker. Mario Mandzukic scored the game-winning goal against England in extra time of the 2018 World Cup semifinal.
Lionel Messi, the star player for Argentina, stepped up and smashed his penalty into the roof of the net to give his team a commanding lead.
After conceding that penalty, Croatia never recovered, and Argentina went into halftime up 2-0 thanks to a goal from Alvarez in the 39th minute.
ITV analysts Gary Neville and Roy Keane concurred that the decision was harsh during the halftime break.
“Not a penalty, not at all. I didn’t think it was at the time,” said Neville.
“As the shot is about to be taken, the goalkeeper steps out; however, Alvarez runs into him and removes his leg. What is he supposed to accomplish? That is not a penalty.”
Where else was he supposed to go, Keane continued, “I agree, I don’t think it was a penalty.”
However,
Argentina advanced to the final. Alvarez completed a spectacular run by Messi in the second half to make it 3-0.
Argentina will play either France or Morocco on Sunday, putting them one step closer to World Cup glory.
Who Was The Referee Between Argentina And Croatia?
Daniele Orsato, an Italian referee, has been assigned to officiate the game on Tuesday at Lusail Stadium.
Orsato has vast experience as a referee, having joined FIFA in 2010.
He presided over the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich 2020 Champions League final and has presided over two World Cup games so far in Qatar.
