Brazil icon Ronaldinho applauded Julian Alvarez for his first goal for Argentina against Croatia.
Julian Alvarez put Argentina 2-0 up against Croatia a few minutes after Lionel Messi‘s opening goal in their semi-finals clash after a stunning run from his half.
The sensational solo goal drew comparisons with Diego Maradona’s strike against England in 1986 but differs in what appears as a handful of luck.
The 22-year-old Manchester City forward was able to launch off a brilliant run by thrusting the ball beyond Dominik Livakovic.
This, however, drew applause from Brazil’s legendary trickster Ronaldinho who was in attendance and would have preferred to watch his beloved country if Brazil were still in the FIFA World Cup tournament.
With a broad smile on his face, the 42-year-old joy giver, Ronaldinho was spotted clapping from his seat in the posh seats at Lusail Stadium as Argentina thrashed Croatia 3-0 to advance to the finals.
Argentina was able to secure an easy victory and book their place in Sunday’s World Cup final thanks to the brace from Julian Alvarez and the opening goal from the captain himself, Lionel Messi.
Who is Julian Alvarez?
Julián Álvarez is an Argentine professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Premier League club Manchester City and the Argentina national team.
Alvarez Age and Height.
Julián Álvarez is 22 years old. He was born on the 31st of January 2000.
The Manchester City youngster has an average height of 1.70 metre and weighs 71 kg.
Julian Alvarez Manchester City
On the day of his 22nd birthday, January 31st, 2022, it was confirmed that Álvarez had signed for Premier League champions Manchester City on a five-and-a-half-year contract. But with Alvarez to remain at River Plate on loan until July.
Upon his arrival at Manchester City, Julian scored on his competitive debut on 30 July, where City lost 1–3 to arch rivals Liverpool in the Community Shield.
On the 7th of August, Julian Álvarez registered his Premier League debut for City after coming on as a substitute for Erling Haaland in a 2–0 away victory over West Ham United.
The 22-year-old Álvarez scored his first two Premier League goals in a 6–0 victory against Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium on the 31st of August.
Julian Alvarez Stat.
Known as La Araña “The Spider”, Julian Alvarez is well-known for his pressing, dynamic scoring ability, and link-up play.
Upon joining Manchester City, Julian Alvarez has scored 3 goals in 12 matches so far in the Premier League 2022/2023 season.
Alvarez has been playing for Argentina U20s national team before he received a call up letter to join the senior team.
He made his debut for the Argentina senior team on the 3rd of June 2021, in a World Cup qualifier against Chile.
On the 29th of March 2022, Alvarez scored his first international goal in a 1–1 draw against Ecuador.
In the ongoing Qatar World Cup, Julain Alvarez has managed to net four crucial goals for Argentina, most relevant was his brace against Croatia at the semifinals.
What happpend to Jualian Avarez?
The 22-year-old Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez made a slow start to the Premier League season, but he is now soaring high at the Qatar World Cup.
The Argentine youngster broke a 121-year River Plate record, scoring a six-goal haul in Copa Libertadores fixture in one night.
However, Alvarez has not shown much sign of breaking records for his new club Manchester City with his game time for Guardiola limited due to Erling Haaland’s dominance.
But Alvarez’s form during the Qatar World Cup has been impressive, with the City forward already bagged four crucial goals for Argentina.
Recent was his two goals against Croatia that helped Argentina advanced to the World Cup finals.
This shows there’s more to be expected from the 22-year-old as he’s now sharing glory with Lionel Messi.
Julian Alvarez will hope to lift the Qatar World Cup as Argentina will face either Morocco or France in the World Cup final on Sunday, December 18.
