Closer to Julian Alvarez, 'New Kid On The Block' 2022 World Cup Who Turns Out to be a Madridista

Julian Alvarez (Twitter @fifaworldcup)

JAKARTA - Julian Alvarez scored two goals in Argentina's 3-0 win over Croatia in the 2022 World Cup semifinals on Wednesday morning WIB. Although currently wearing a costume for Manchester City, Alvarez is a big fan of Real Madrid.

The history of Madridista Alvarez is well known. He spent a month in Madrid when he was 11 years old.

It was 2011 and he was playing in a few kid's tournaments. On one of them, he was the top scorer.

"It was such a difference he made playing here... that they came to see him from everywhere", recalled a close friend of Alvarez quoted by Marca, Wednesday.

"He will go past opponents and even go into the penalty area alone."

The story is not a figment. In the Croatia match, Alvarez scored his first goal by making a solo run from the middle of the field, then beat two Croatian defenders in the penalty box and scored the opponent's goal.

"Until a few years later, Real Madrid couldn't sign me permanently, and my whole family had to move from there. So I decided to come back to Cordoba", the youngster recalls of his time in Madrid.

In Qatar, Alvarez has confirmed his level of quality. So far he has scored four goals and is side by side with French striker Olivier Giroud.

"We deserved it. We played a great game today. We are in the final, that's what we wanted and now we need to rest and hope for a great game on Sunday", Alvarez said after the match, as quoted by Antara via AFP.

"I am happy personally and as a team. We are happy with the way we played. We deserve to be in the final. That is what we want", he added.

Alvarez had to fight his way into the starting line-up at this Qatar World Cup with coach Lionel Scaloni initially preferring Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez.

The forward started on the bench in Argentina's shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening game in the group stage and 2-0 win over Mexico.

Alvarez broke into the first team in the 2-0 win over Poland that sealed qualification for the last 16 - scoring the second goal - and has been in the starting line-up ever since.

He scored a crucial second goal in a 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16 and then caused the Netherlands defense plenty of problems in the quarter-finals.

As well as his two stunning goals last night, Alvarez dismantled the Croatian defense with his constant movement - coming from deep with the ball and crossing the line without it.

It was a performance that thrilled Argentina coach Scaloni.

"Julian played very well, not only because of the goal but also because he worked very hard to help against their three midfielders", said Scaloni.

"At his age, it's natural for him to want to conquer the world. He's a boy who will do anything you tell him."

Diego Maradona had four goals from Jorge Valdano as his striker in the 1986 team and now Messi has found his own reliable partner.

It's a role the former River Plate forward clearly enjoys.

After being applauded by his supporters at the Lusail Stadium, Alvarez set his sights on Sunday's challenge.

"Everyone's been great, as is the whole country. It's a joy for everyone. We're very pleased with what we've achieved and we'll keep moving forward"