Lionel Messi is seeking World Cup glory this winter in Qatar and now finds a tough challenge against underdogs Croatia in the Semi-finals. Argentina will be looking to replicate success from 1986 and 1978 by winning their third World Cup. Luka Modric will be looking to repeat 2018 success by leading Croatia to back-to-back World Cup finals. Croatia triumphed past England in this stage of the competition in Russia 2018 but fell short to a star-studded France team.
Looking into both sides' performance this World Cup, Argentina have had a rollercoaster ride, leaving it to the last matchday to qualify from their group. Since then, Australia took Argentina to the last kick in a 2-1 win and Netherlands scored a last-minute winner, to take a hotly contested game into a shootout.
Croatia haven’t had an easy run either, they marginally advanced from a group which contained other semi-finalist Morocco, giants Belgium and Canada who they demolished in game week 2.
Round of 16 saw Croatia advance on penalties against dark horse Japan then upsetting favourites Brazil. Both penalty shoot outs were won by goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who also made 11 saves against Brazil. The Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper has impressed this World Cup keeping a clean sheet in 90 minutes against Morocco, Belgium and Brazil.
Both sides are filled with star studded players but one man will be the main focus. Lionel Messi has shown why he is still one of the best in the world, scoring four and assisting two on the route to the Semi-finals averaging a rating of 8.18 in this World Cup. Messi is creating 4 big chances per game and has a xG of 3.82.
Argentina and Croatia have a split record against one another with both winning twice and drawing once. Last time the sides met was in Russia 2018, with Croatia winning 3-0 with captain Luka Modric scoring and producing a Man of the Match performance.
Argentina are without full back pairing Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel through suspension. Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to start at left back with Manuel Molina on the right. Angel Di Maria will be expected to be fit but not start and Papu Gomez remains a major doubt after an ankle injury picked up in the clash against the Dutch.
Croatia have no concerns beside tired legs after back-to-back 120 minutes of football. Bruno Petkovic will be hoping to start over Andrej Kramaric after impressing with an extra-time goal against Brazil.
Winner of this Semi-final tie will play either dark horses Morocco or reigning champions France. Croatia have already played Morocco this tournament which was left in a bore 0-0 draw. If France and Croatia advance it will be a repeat of Russia 2018 where France won 4-2. Argentina have beat Morocco all three times they’ve played them, with the last win coming in a friendly in 2019 where Lionel Messi didn’t feature. Argentina have beaten France six times but most recently lost in a 4-3 thriller back in Russia 2018 Round of 16 match
Argentina and Croatia are both hoping to advance for different reasons but all eyes will be fixed on Lionel Messi as he attempts to cement himself as the all-time ‘goat’. Argentina are the favourites but expect the unexpected from Croatia as they are in familiar territory to the last World Cup.
Who will make the World Cup final?
Argentina
Croatia
By Baily Shorter
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