Lionel Messi of Argentina (left) and Croatia’s Luka Modric are set for an epic battle on Tuesday. Pictures: EPA, Mohamed Messara and Noushad Thekkayil
Durban – Argentina take on Croatia in the first World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
On paper, the South American’s have more flair and will be the favourites. However, 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia have already shown that they are capable of causing upsets by eliminating Brazil on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Many say that winning on penalties is down to luck but the Vatreni have proven that penalties are more than that and require intense concentration, making it a skill of its own.
The Croatians have won their last four penalty shoot-outs on the trot, including two in the current World Cup – against Japan and Brazil.
Lionel Messi may be #ARG's main player, but #HRV coach Zlatko Dalic says "they have some young, talented players and they look very dangerous."
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 11, 2022
Croatia do not have an attack that Argentina will fear but like fellow World Cup surprise package Morocco, they have a rock solid defence which could make things difficult for Lionel Messi and company.
Argentina can ill afford to underestimate Croatia’s determination and grit which was a key ingredient in their victory over Brazil. Midfield maestro Luka Modric will continue to dictate play for Croatia, as he has done for the entire tournament.
7 games 🏟
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 11, 2022
4 goals ⚽
1 assist 🅰
1 Golden Ball trophy 🏆
2014 was Lionel Messi's best #FIFAWorldCup, but could #Qatar2022 surpass that? 👀 pic.twitter.com/qWeiC0GmUn
In Dominik Livakovic, Croatia also have a star goalkeeper who will be a contender for the Golden Glove award. The 27-year-old has great reflexes and positioning and is confident when it comes to penalty shoot-outs.
The game promises to be physical and mainly contained in midfield. It has the makings of a low-scoring clash.
Croatian pioneers 🇭![CDATA[]]>🇷
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 11, 2022
Almost 25 years ago, fans were revelling in their first ever #FIFAWorldCup Quarter-final win.
Discover what it meant in 'Croatia: Defining a Nation', free and only on FIFA+.
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