When Croatia square off Argentina in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final at Lusail Iconic Stadium, they will be looking to go to back-to-back finals after sending one South American powerhouse home from the tournament.
Team Form
Argentina
Through Nahuel Molina’s goal and the clinical penalty from Lionel Messi, Albiceleste appeared to be headed for the semi-finals. However, a late brace from Wout Weghorst, including an equaliser in the 100th minute, caused the most unlikely extra times.
Yet another penalty shootout would decide the outcome of the match. Despite numerous fights, roughhousing, and an astounding 17 yellow cards, Argentina maintained composure to win and move on to the semi-finals.
Argentina has never lost in the World Cup’s last four and has advanced to the championship game each time they have reached this stage. Their most recent appearance in this stage was in the 2014 tournament, just before their painful loss to Germany.
Argentina World Cup Form: L W W W W
Argentina in good spirits ahead of the semifinals ?? pic.twitter.com/EG4CZnVPoM
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 12, 2022
Croatia
Neymar scored a beautiful goal to give Brazil the lead in the 106th minute, while Croatia’s defence was famously tough to penetrate. However, Bruno Petkovic’s effort in the 117th minute found its way into the corner via a deflection to force a 12-yard battle of nerves.
The Selecao dream was crushed when Marquinhos’s shot crashed against the post. It allowed delirium to take over for those in red and white as they celebrated a second consecutive World Cup semi-final. Livakovic kept Brazil out 11 times before saving from Rodrygo in the shootout.
Only Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany have ever made back-to-back final appearances, so Croatia would be in a very select company if they can advance to the championship game. Dalic’s team can also take heart from the fact that they have scored in all 10 of their World Cup knockout games.
Croatia World Cup Form: D W D W W
Croatia have NEVER lost a World Cup penalty shootout ? pic.twitter.com/t2hgVm8CCd
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 9, 2022
Squad Report
Argentina
Due to the yellow cards received in the Albiceleste’s match against the Netherlands, fullbacks Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna are now ineligible to play in the semi-final.
Alejandro Gomez is accelerating his recovery from an ankle strain to be available. Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Di Maria, who has been dealing with some issues, anticipate starting the semi-final healthy.
Croatia
Regarding Croatia, Dalic was fortunate to have a healthy team for the quarterfinal victory against Brazil. Now that Borna Sosa and Mislav Orsic have recovered from their illnesses, he should have all the players ready to select for the matchup on Tuesday.
Argentina’s possible starting lineup:
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez
Croatia’s possible starting lineup:
Livakovic; Juranovic, Gvardiol, Lovren, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
Head to Head
Regarding their head-to-head record, Argentina and Croatia are tied with two victories each in the five games played between the two sides.
The two countries most recent encounter in the FIFA World Cup took place in the group stage in 2018, and Croatia won 3-0.
1994: Croatia 0-0 Argentina (Friendly)
1998: Argentina 1-0 Croatia (World Cup)
2006: Croatia 3-2 Argentina (Friendly)
2014: Argentina 2-1 Croatia (Friendly)
2018: Argentina 0-3 Croatia (World Cup)They meet again āļø pic.twitter.com/0O5Sb17rc3
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 12, 2022
Date, Time & Venue
Date: Tuesday, December 13
Time: 07: 00 pm, GMT
Venue: Lusail Stadium, Doha
Prediction
Scaloni should use his enviable array of attacking options to try to end the game in normal time, given how dangerous the Croatians are from 12 yards.Ā
Still, it might take 120 minutes for La Albiceleste to deny the Checkered Ones another final appearance and set up a compelling matchup with Morocco or France.
