World Cup Croatia vs Argentina

Croatia have now won four World Cup penalty shootouts in a row, and they’re in the 2022 semifinals after beating Brazil. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Croatia vs Argentina: Magical Modrić, Maestro Messi and everything you need to know

Croatia vs Argentina looks like an epic World Cup semifinal in prospect. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the crunch clash.

World Cup Croatia vs Argentina

Croatia have now won four World Cup penalty shootouts in a row, and they’re in the 2022 semifinals after beating Brazil. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Croatia vs Argentina is an intriguing World Cup semifinal that’s so difficult to call.


Croatia vs Argentina World Cup semifinal: All you need to know

How we got here

Argentina have recovered from that seismic opening day shock against Saudi Arabia in style. Skipper and talisman Lionel Messi has been at the forefreont of that revival. He scored and assisted against Mexico, missed a penalty against Poland but ran the show, scored against Australia and  scored and assisted against Netherlands, then slotted his spot-kick in the shootout. He has been a central figure, as ever.

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37-year-old Luka Modrić, literally and figuratively his opposite number, has been immense again for Croatia. He’s played 485 out of a possible 512 minutes in another marathon World Cup campaign. They got rid of Japan and Brazil on penalties to get here, with their 117th minute equalizer against the Seleção their only shot on target in the match. This team is never beaten until the final whistle blows.

World Cup Croatia vs Argentina
Messi after putting Argentina 2-0 up. More drama was to come. Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

World Cup 2022 hot stat

Croatia haven’t scored first in any of their last nine World Cup games since a 2-1 win over Iceland in the 2018 group stages, yet they’ve reached consecutive semifinals. Talk about a team that believes in themselves.

world cup croatia vs argentina
Modric is majestic. Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

Players to watch

Croatia and Tottenham wing-back Ivan Perišić scored in the 2018 World Cup semifinal and was also on the score sheet in the final against France. He is their big game player. For Argentina, 21-year-old Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernández has been their breakout star. La Albiceleste has a long history of producing midfield maestros, and he is the latest. Against a legendary trio of Modrić, Brozović and Kovacić, his ability to set the tempo will be pivotal to his country’s chances.

Croatia vs Argentina
Enzo Fernandez will be key against Croatia. Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)

Predicted XIs

Croatia

Livaković; Juranović, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modrić, Kovacić, Brozović; Pašalić, Petković, Perišić

Argentina

Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Di María, Messi, Álvarez


All that’s left to say is enjoy the action.

Meanwhile, you can get more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game from James Freemantle

Also keep up on daily World Cup trivia via football stats nerd foodball_za.