Dynamic Duo (12/13)

HOME -- With 2F-Croatia keeping most possession, 1C-Argentina used a burst of energy from Julian Alvarez and a careless GK challenge was called for a PK which Lionel Messi, who was not involved up until then, buried his 3rd PK of the tournament (ARG has earned 4 PKs, all taken by Messi).  Then all it took was a CRO corner kick a few minutes later that went awry, a slight touch by Messi before he was fouled (the refs have been doing a good job playing advantage) found Alvarez before midfield and he ran and duked and ran past some poor defending with the ball popping up for an easy tap in past the GK.

A second-half third goal as Messi awed the audience and the defender, somehow the 35-year old getting around and giving a perfect pass for a tap in for Alvarez's second goal.  The 3-0 win in front of 88,966 fans sent ARG to its 6th final (2-3).  So the dynamic duo officially had 3 goals and 2 assists between them (Messi's touch on Alvarez's first goal not an assist since it did ping pong off a couple of CRO defenders - dumb rule but it is consistent so all assists are the same and FIFA does not even list assists on their match center).

With no ARG jersey (thought I had a replica blue one) or CRO (really need to get a red/white checkerboard one), figured I would pull out the official Ted Lasso jersey for AFC Richmond since it has "DubaiAir" as a sponsor (no spoiler for Season 2).  Also funny that with the Apple TV logo on the left sleeve (its a promo jersey), all MLS teams will have one on their left sleeve as well (as part of Apple TV's 10-year deal with MLS)- life imitating art.

38 picked ARG to be in the final which moved Soccerbix and The Gambler 1 to the top of standings with 114 points.  Previous leader Indy Ari (11th-Tied, 106) was one of four entries eliminated, leaving 12 left.  Soccerbix will win the pool (2nd time, winning in '98) if ARG or FRA win the WC and will face a tiebreaker with The Gambler 1 for first if MAR wins the WC.  KevLo and SoccerWife (both 4th-T, 111) are guaranteed to finish for a tie for 5th in all 4 remaining scenarios, but if ARG loses in the final, they will be subject to a tiebreaker and one could be left with nothing.  If ARG wins, they will finish 2nd, 3rd, or 4th.

As for the $40 Bonus, UEFA team CRO losing means UEFA will finish with 7, 8, or 9 wins.  52 eliminated entries still have a chance to win the Bonus.  If FRA loses tomorrow, UEFA will finish with 7 wins and 11 entries will have a chance.  Individual possibilities will be after tomorrow's semifinal.