Croatia will look to replicate its 2018 semi-final performance against Argentina in the ongoing FIFA World Cup
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Croatia and Argentina will face each other in the semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup began, fans predicted some of Europe and South America’s mightiest teams would win the ongoing tournament. However, in doing so, many forgot about the last edition’s finalist, Croatia. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Croatia displayed mind-boggling football in the semi-finals against England to reach the finals against France. Despite putting their best foot forward, Croatia could not match the football prowess of the French and eventually suffered a 2-4 defeat to Les Bleus.
While the night in Moscow ended in tears for Luka Modric and his men, the Croatian team now has a shot at redemption, four years later. Since qualifying for the knockout stages at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Croatia has been a force to reckon with. During their last-16 match against Japan, the men from Croatia showed they were equipped to handle pressure, as they beat an in-form Japan via penalties. They continued the same momentum against Brazil and knocked out the five-time World Champions to face Argentina in the semi-finals.
Even though Croatia has been in the last four previously, it won’t be easy for them. ‘The Vatreni’ face a humble yet vicious Argentina, ready to give it their all for captain Lionel Messi. Aware of the threat they possess, Croatia will bank on goalkeeping master Dominik Livakovic. Throughout the tournament, Dominik has displayed brilliant goalkeeping and was key in stopping Rodrygo’s penalty, which helped Croatia qualify for the semi-finals. To support Livakovic, the team will turn to defense experts Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol.
While Croatia’s defense is at par with some of the elite, the focal point of their play remains the midfield. With the magical trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic available for play, Croatia will exploit the holes in Argentina’s defense and score some goals to secure a place in the final. The goal-scoring responsibility for the Croatians will be up to the talented trio of Mario Pasalic, Ivan Perisic, and Andrej Kramaric. Even though Croatia is on the cusp of history by reaching the finals for the second consecutive time, the road will not be easy.
Croatia will have to deal with the intent displayed by the Argentinians
Since the beginning of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there were no doubt about the capabilities of Argentina. With an extremely talented squad, many expected the men in Blue and White stripes to do well at the tournament. However, when Argentina entered the pitch, fans witnessed more than talent. It was clear that the Argentinian players wanted to give their best to bid a proper farewell to captain Lionel Messi, who is playing his last World Cup.
Despite facing an embarrassing 1-2 defeat against Saudi Arabia, the ‘La Albiceleste,’ showed composure, character, and intent to bounce back and qualify for the semi-finals. In the process, Argentina secured victories over the likes of Poland and Mexico while beating the Netherlands to book a spot in the top four. Even though Argentina’s impressive display is the result of teamwork, the brilliance of Lionel Messi, and Argentina can’t be denied. Throughout the tournament, Messi has led the team from the front. During the five games he played at the tournament, Messi scored four goals and provided an assist. In doing so, he also became Argentina’s joint-highest scorer with Gabriel Batistuta.
However, it isn’t just Messi who helped Argentina play brilliant football. The likes of goalkeeper Emi Martinez have been crucial too. In fact, in the penalty shootout against the Netherlands, Martinez made two saves to book Argentina’s spot in the top four. With talented defenders like Christian Romero and Lisandro Martinez at the back, Argentina will look to stop every threat from the Croatian attackers. But for the men in Blue and White, the key to their victory remains the attack, which comprises Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, and the evergreen Lionel Messi.
To sum it up, it is evident that both teams are very talented. However, it will be interesting to see which team displays better football to cross the line and take that final step closer to World Cup glory. Will Croatia succeed in reaching the World Cup finals for the second consecutive time, or will Argentina defeat the Europeans to keep Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream alive? Well, this question is something only time can answer. Over to the semi-finals.
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Varun Anand Bhat
(106 Articles Published)