Lionel Messi revealed that he did his homework on Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic’s penalty saving strategies along with his team-mates Emiliano Martinez and Geronimo Rulli forward of Tuesday’s final 4 assembly.
The Argentine nationwide hero admitted finding out his opponent earlier than his nation’s semi-final confirmed that Livakovic most well-liked to attend for penalty takers to make the primary transfer earlier than reacting, and Messi was decided to not give him the higher hand.
Because it was, the 35-year-old fired his spot kick into the highest proper nook after a brief and sharp run up, reasonably than stutter his method and anticipate the keeper to flinch first, as has change into a rising pattern in trendy soccer.
Lionel Messi (R) revealed he studied Dominik Livakovic’s penalty method with Emiliano Martinez earlier than the sport
Geronimo Rulli (R) is but to seem on the World Cup however has had his hand in aiding his captain
‘I studied the Croatian goalkeeper’s method with Geronimo Rulli and with Dibu (Emiliano Martinez),’ the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner advised Argentinian outlet TyC Sports activities.
‘We talked about how he waited quite a bit. The very best factor to do was to shock and hit it without delay, as a substitute of ready and holding him.
‘After they maintain him for a very long time, it is tough. I used to be decided to kick like that.’
The 35-year-old efficiently dispatched his spot kick into the highest right-hand nook
Messi had already scored from 12 yards in opposition to Saudi Arabia and Holland twice – as soon as within the shootout – however missed in opposition to Poland after Wojciech Szczesny guessed the best manner.
Equally, Livakovic had saved 4 penalties in shootouts in knockout clashes with Japan and Brazil, and subsequently represented a formidable foe for the Argentinian talisman.
The recommendation of Martinez – himself one thing of a shootout specialist between the sticks – and Rulli clearly paid dividends as Messi put his facet 1-0 up within the tie early on.
Finding out Livakovic’s earlier penalty-saving heroics confirmed he prefers takers to ‘maintain him for a very long time’
In doing so, the PSG star drew himself stage with Kylian Mbappe on the prime of the World Cup scoring charts with 5 to his title, having by no means received the golden boot.
He additionally registered his third help of the event in typical Messi style after a balletic run turned Chelsea goal Josko Gvardiol in and out earlier than laying it off for Julian Alvarez to faucet residence and make it 3-0 on the evening.
However with yet one more spherical of World Cup motion to come back, the 35-year-old could but be known as on for spot-kick obligation in opposition to France in Sunday’s show-piece last, although it’s but to be seen whether or not he undertakes comparable homework on Hugo Lloris’ method.
Messi is now joint-top of the World Cup scoring charts with Kylian Mbappe with 5 targets
