Video: Wondergoal from Julian Alvarez! Man City star phenomenal goal gives Argentina lead against Croatia

Argentina have gone 3-0 up in the World Cup semi-final against Croatia and look well on their way to reaching the final on Sunday thanks to Man City’s Julian Alvarez. 

The South American side got off to the perfect start thanks to a Lionel Messi penalty and have now doubled their lead after a lethal counter-attack.

Mere moments after Lionel Messi had fired La Albiceleste ahead via a penalty won by Alvarez early on in their semi-final against Croatia, the Man City forward doubled their lead with a simply brilliant effort.

The goal came after Croatia messed up a set piece before Messi laid the ball off to Alvarez who then ran the best of 60 yards to score the second goal of the match and give Argentina a comfortable lead.

🇦🇷 2-0 🇭🇷
A remarkable goal from Alvarez, he somehow barrels through to put Argentina 2-0 ahead#ARGCRO
📺Watch live on @RTE2 & @RTEplayer – https://t.co/2W5kFtUOPc
📱 Live updates – https://t.co/OkTNJUcHUp #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/QaSH6uhJ4E

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 13, 2022

JULIAN ALVAREZ WHAT A GOAL 😱

2-0 ARGENTINA 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/73747qp92r

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 13, 2022

 A touch – or two – of fortune was deserved for Alvarez’s incredible work to make his goal happen, gobbling up the pitch with the ball at his feet in a brilliant run that had defenders twisting and turning from the get go. The strike ensured Argentina took a commanding 2-0 lead into half-time, which is key in such a high-stakes contest.

His third goal after the break means Argentina have all foot in the World Cup final, giving the 22-year-old a very realistic chance of lifting football’s greatest prize so soon into his career and returning to Manchester a World Cup winner.

Julian Alvarez transfer fee: How much did Manchester City pay to sign Argentina striker?

Manchester City paid £14.1 million (BBC Sport) to sign Julian Alvarez in January 2021.

The Premier League champions triggered the release clause in the prolific goalscorer’s contract to sign him from River Plate in a 5-year deal.

While the gifted marksman stayed at River till the end of last season on loan, he joined Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

JULIAN ALVAREZ IS QUITE CLEARLY A BARGAIN

As exemplified by Julian Alvarez’s exceptional performances at the World Cup, he is one hell of a player.

While clubs across Europe are paying record-breaking fees to sign strikers, City paid a mere £14.1 million to sign one of the most talented young strikers in world football.

It is likely that Julian Alvarez will become a household name for both Manchester City and Argentina as time progresses.

And that too at such a reasonable for the Premier League giants.