Having already sent home a South American team from the World Cup, Croatia will aim to reach the final when they take on Argentina in Tuesday’s semi-final at the iconic Lucille Stadium. Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup.
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Penalty prowess from both sides settled a nervy quarter-final contest, as Zlatko Dalic’s men saw off Brazil from the spot just hours before La Albiceleste beat the Netherlands from 12 yards.
A Lionel Messi-inspired Albiceleste had one foot firmly in the semi-finals with a cool penalty from Nahuel Molina and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, but a late brace from Wout Weghurst – including a 100th-minute equalizer – forced the improbability. additional period.
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One more penalty shootout would be needed to decide the fate of the two teams and given the rampant scuffles, gamesmanship galore and a staggering 17 yellow cards, Argentina held their nerve to emerge victorious and advance to the final four.
Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup
The football gods would surely have delivered an all-South American semi-final between Brazil and Argentina, and while Lionel Scaloni’s crop would not have it, the record of Copa America winners in World Cup semi-finals makes for very pleasing reading. Indeed.
Argentina have never been out of the last four of a World Cup and have reached the final every time they’ve made it that far – the fifth and most recent of which came before their heartbreaking loss to Germany at the 2014 tournament.
Scaloni’s brave goalscorers have netted twice in each of their last four matches in all competitions to reach the semi-finals – scoring in each of their last 14 – but facing Croatia’s tough rearguard action is a challenge that Messi and co must prepare for with due diligence.
Croatia Defence Line
After Dominik Livakovic returned to his homeland, the first question the Croatia goalkeeper must have asked was about the whereabouts of his idol, as the Dinamo Zagreb number one repeatedly denied Brazil before scoring a penalty in the checkered one. in front
As Brazil struggled to find a way through a notorious Croatia defence, Neymar took it upon himself to break the deadlock with a superb goal in the 106th minute, but Bruno Petkovic’s 117th-minute effort was deflected into the corner. Forced a 12-yard battle of nerves.
Livakovic kept Brazil out 11 times before saving from Rodrigo in the shootout and the Selecao’s dreams were dashed when Marquinhos’ effort crashed against the post. Allowing the red and whites to take delirium as they celebrated a second consecutive World Cup semi final.
How Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final
Dalic’s side remarkably reached the 2018 World Cup final without winning any of their knockout games in normal time. And are on the brink of repeating history for the Checkered Ones. Who are now unbeaten in 11 matches ahead of their showdown with Argentina.
Croatia will be in elite company if they can progress to the showpiece event – only Italy. The Netherlands and Germany have ever reached the final. And Dalic’s side can be confident they have never failed to score in 10. World Cup knockout matches.
Argentina and Croatia have met twice before
Argentina and Croatia have met twice before in the World Cup group stages. Prevailing 1-0 at La Albiceleste in 1998. But the Checkered Ones had a memorable 3-0 win over Argentina in Russia four years ago and several members of that team still thundered twice in Lucille. Around the effort.
Card-happy referee Matu Lahoz won’t be making friends with the Argentina and Netherlands camps anytime soon. Especially with two of his 17 bookings being Albiceleste full-backs Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna. Who are now suspended for the semi-finals.
Montiel was unlikely to challenge Molina for the right-back berth. And Acuna would hand over left-back duties to Nicolas Tagliafico as he took his place in a mischievous move. But Scaloni fortunately saw no player hit during the 120-minute quarter. – Final.
Alejandro Gomez is pushing to be available as he steps up his recovery from an ankle sprain, while Rodrigo de Paul and Angel Di Maria – who are both suffering from problems of their own – will be expected to be fit to start the semi-final.
What is Scaloni’s Plan
Scaloni opted to match the Netherlands’ setup with a five-man backline. Bringing Lisandro Martinez back from the cold. But the switch to a four-man defense could see the Manchester United man give up his place to the fit-again Di Maria. .
For Croatia, Dalic was blessed with a fully fit squad for the quarter-final win over Brazil. And should be back in full force on Tuesday after both Borna Sosa and Mislav Orsic recover from their respective illnesses.
Amid his side’s well-documented struggles for goals. Dalic brought on Mario Pasalic from the first whistle against Brazil. And the Atlanta BC man can feel confident of retaining his position on the right wing.
Andrzej Kramric may be fearing for his place at the top of the attack after Petkovic’s dramatic equalizer in the quarter-finals. But the Hoffenheim man has started every game in Qatar so far and is likely to retain his place from the off.
Team Formation
Argentina possible starting lineup:
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez
Croatia possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Juranovic, Gvardiol, Lovren, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
Prediction Argentina vs Croatia FIFA World Cup
Another World Cup knockout game for Croatia, another period of extra time? Strap in. Dalic’s defenders have performed their hearts out in Qatar so far. And Argentina did not do an exemplary job of breaking down the Dutch before Messi’s individual talents were revealed.
Knowing how dangerous the Croatians are from 12 yards. Scaloni should try to put the game to bed in normal time with his enviable wealth of attacking options. But it could take 120 minutes to deny the Checkered Ones another final appearance at La Albiceleste. And a thrilling contest with Morocco or France set. do
