
The clash between the Albiceleste and Croatia remained goalless for over 30 minutes before the Argentina captain Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot (34'). Julian Álvarez doubled the lead before half-time on 39 minutes and the South American striker went on to make it 3-0 on 69 minutes.
Werkself player Exequiel Palacios replaced Rodrigo de Paul on 74 minutes and he helped to secure the result that puts the Albiceleste in a World Cup final for the sixth time.
In the 2022 World Cup final on Saturday 17 December (kick-off: 16.00 CET), Palacios and Co. will play the winners of the second semi-final between France and Morocco. That game kicks off at 20.00 CET tonight Wednesday 14 December.
Sardar Azmoun with Iran and Piero Hincapie with Ecuador went out of the competition at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Jeremie Frimpong and the Netherlands lost 3-2 in the quarter-finals against finalists Argentina.

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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