An emotional Argentina face a tenacious Croatia who've proven no regard for narrative.
The place: Lusail Stadium
When: December 13, 10pm (19:00 GMT)
Head-to-head: Argentina wins: 2, Croatia wins: 2, Draw: 1
Highway to the semis:
Argentina
- Misplaced Argentina 2-1 vs Saudi Arabia
- Beat Mexico 2-0
- Beat Poland 2-0
- Beat Australia 2-1
- Beat Netherlands 3-2 on penalties
Croatia
- Drew 0-0 with Morocco
- Beat Canada 4-1
- Drew 0-0 with Belgium
- Beat Japan 3-1 on penalties
- Beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties
Argentina face Croatia in a World Cup semifinal that pits South American aptitude towards the guile of Luka Modric and a outstanding preventing spirit.
At Lusail Stadium, Lionel Messi, now 35, will try and information Argentina into the ultimate for the second time in eight years towards the overwhelmed finalists in 2018.
Messi, who suffered defeat to Germany within the 2014 ultimate, is determined to crown a rare profession by lastly successful the World Cup and emulating one other Argentinian legend, the late Diego Maradona.
The Paris Saint-Germain ahead was a pivotal determine in Friday’s stormy quarterfinal win over the Netherlands, when a report 18 yellow playing cards had been proven and gamers from each side had been concerned in a melee because the referee fought to regain management.
The match ended with Argentina gamers showing to taunt their distraught Dutch opponents earlier than sprinting away to have a good time after a penalty shootout win.
Even the usually mild-mannered Messi was caught up within the unhealthy blood, shouting abuse at Dutch gamers whereas he was being interviewed after the sport.
A query mark hangs over veteran Angel Di Maria and his health, with the 34-year-old having largely been used as an alternative within the event regardless of recovering from damage.
Messi, at 35, taking part in doubtless his final World Cup, is determined to land the one main title lacking from his in depth assortment however he's additionally carrying the burden of the nation on his shoulders.
Croatia shocking once more
Croatia, who beat Japan and pre-tournament favourites Brazil in penalty shootouts to succeed in the final 4, haven't gained a knockout sport in regular time at a significant event since they got here third on the 1998 World Cup.
Regardless of doing it the arduous approach, the nation of three.9 million folks shocked the soccer world by reaching the ultimate 4 years in the past, the place France crushed their desires with a 4-2 win.
Croatia, with Actual Madrid playmaker Modric nonetheless the chief on the pitch on the age of 37, have once more defied the chances to face getting ready to a second successive ultimate.
This Croatian crew is sort of a sponge. Led by Luka Modrić, they soak up great stress and simply while you assume they'll implode, they wrangle themselves for one ultimate squeeze.
With no gamers suspended and no damage considerations following the return of defender Borna Sosa, Zlatko Dalic’s crew is brimming with confidence and prepared for extra.
Tremendous-sub Bruno Petkovic, who scored the equaliser towards Brazil, might earn again his beginning spot over Andrej Kramaric whereas Mario Pasalic is predicted to maintain his in assault.
Tuesday night time will likely be a conflict between two midfields that don’t hesitate from a scrap. Targets could also be at a premium, however with Messi and Modric on the pitch, the genius quotient of the sport will likely be excessive.
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