Mario Mandzukic was sent off during Croatia’s World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina

Croatia assistant manager Mario Mandzukic was sent off during his side’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina.

After a somewhat cagey start to the match, Argentina were awarded a penalty after Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez was brought down by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in the 34th minute.

Livakovic was booked for his rash challenge whilst Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic was given a yellow card for his protests but the referee decided that Mandzukic deserved a harsher treatment.

The former Bayern Munich striker, who scored the winning goal against England in extra time during the 2018 World Cup semi-final was sent off by Italian referee Daniele Orsato.

Argentina’s star man Lionel Messi stepped up and smashed his penalty into the roof of the net to give his side the lead in style.

Croatia never recovered after that penalty as Alvarez got himself on the score sheet in the 39th minute with a well-taken goal, Argentina were 2-0 up at half-time.

During the half-time interval, ITV pundits Gary Neville and Roy Keane both thought the decision was harsh.

Neville said: “Not a penalty, not all, I didn’t think it was at the time.

“The keeper comes out, he stops himself as the shot is about to be taken and Alvarez runs into him and takes his leg away. What is he meant to do? That is not a penalty.”

💥 It's fireworks in the studio!!

❌ The pundits say no.
✅ Peter Walton says yes!

🤔 Is this a penalty for you...?#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/KSQsvhrN4Y

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 13, 2022

Whilst Keane added: “I agree, I don’t think it was a penalty, where else was he meant to go?”

However,

In the second half, Alvarez finished off a spectacular run by Messi to make it 3-0 and send Argentina to the final.

Argentina are now one step away from World Cup glory, they will face either France or Morocco on Sunday.