Cristian Romero: How Argentine media reacted to Tottenham star's World Cup semi-final display

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero helped Argentina overcome Croatia to reach the final of the World Cup in Qatar.

The Spurs star has played in all six of the Albiceleste’s games in the tournament, starting five of those.

And on Tuesday, Romero was part of an Argentina back line that kept a clean sheet against the 2018 World Cup finalists.

Lionel Scaloni’s charges ran out 3-0 winners over Croatia, with Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez playing a starring role for their country.

Messi opened the scoring for Argentina on 34 minutes, converting a penalty won by Alvarez.

The Manchester City ace then doubled his side’s lead five minutes later, with Messi setting him on his way.

Alvarez latched on to Messi’s header just inside the Croatian half and embarked on a superb run before firing home.

Messi then provided a superb assist for Alvarez on 69 minutes.

The Paris Saint-Germain star got the better of Josko Gvardiol on the byline before setting up his young teammate for a tidy finish.

‘With defenders like that, it’s impossible not to dream’

While Messi and Alvarez dazzled in attack, Romero and his teammates at the back ensured that Croatia wouldn’t get through.

The Argentine media loved what they saw from the Tottenham star.

Ole gave Romero 9 out of 10 for his heroics on the night.

‘Firm in cutting off attacks, with authority to play, he went to all and won the majority,’ they wrote.

‘He complements Otamendi so well that they demoralized the Croatian strikers.

‘(Romero) lost it against Petkovic and earned himself a yellow.

‘He recovered the high level that led him to be an undisputed player on this team.

‘With defenders like that, it’s impossible not to dream.’

El Grafico gave Romero 8 out of 10 and wrote: ‘Solid in defense, his role in the first half is important.

‘In the second half he was not bothered much by the Croats.’

And ESPN Argentina also went with 8 out of 10 for the Tottenham powerhouse.

‘Firm on the brand as always, closing Molina’s back and without giving advantages,’ they wrote.

‘Also in the aerial game and in each ball that reached the area, where Argentina hardly suffered.’