The last two World Cup finalists face off in the first World Cup semifinal, as Lionel Messi’s Argentina take on Luka Modric's Croatia at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night.
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The last two World Cup finalists face off in the first World Cup semifinal, as Lionel Messi’s Argentina take on Luka Modric’s Croatia at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday night. Both entered the last-4 stage with penalty shootout wins in the quarterfinals. Argentina were involved in an ill-tempered battle with old foes Netherlands, which saw a record 17 bookings. Lionel Messi set up Nahuel Molina to open the scoring, before the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Although Louis Van Gaal’s side netted two late goals to force the game to extra-time and thereby the penalties, Emiliano Martinez’ heroics during the 12-yard battle helped La Albiceleste prevail 4-3. Croatia, meanwhile, came from behind to level the score at 1-1, before securing a 4-2 victory against favourites Brazil on penalties.
#SelecciónMayor ¡Seguimos preparándonos para nuestro próximo desafío!
🤜 #TodosJuntos 🤛
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— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) December 11, 2022
Argentina have not reported any major injuries after the hard-fought battles against the Dutch on Friday. Angel di Maria, who missed the round of 16 encounter against Australia because of a hamstring issue, came off the bench in the last outing and is expected to return to the starting eleven on Tuesday, alongside Messi and Julian Alvarez up front. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is likely to opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul Forming the midfield trio. Molina, who impressed against Holland, will continue at the right-back position, while Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to replace suspended Marcos Acuna at the left-back. Nicolas Otamendi and Christian Romero would form the crentre-back partnership with Emiliano Martinez occupying the goal. De Paul might play a key role in Tuesday’s game as it would be interesting to see how he provides cover to Messi, while also keeping an eye on Luka Modric.
Croatia’s biggest strength has been their midfield-trio of Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic. Modric is likely to keep a close eye on Messi and the 37-year-old has more than enough experience to handle the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. The last time Messi and Modric faced each other was in the knockouts of Champions League, when the latter did a fine job to contain the Paris Saint-Germain star and played a key role in Real Madrid’s success. Head coach Zlatko Dalic is likely to opt for a 4-3-3 formation with Dominik Livakovic in goal. The 27-year-old who is having an excellent tournament between the bars, will be protected by the the back-four of Josip Juranovic, Josko Gvardiol, Dejan Lovren and Borna Sosa. In the attack, Ivan Perisic and Mario Pasalic will start in the wide positions, with Bruno Petkovic operating down the centre.
Argentine full-backs Sergio Montiel and Acuna are unavailable for Tuesday’s game because of yellow card suspensions. But Scaloni has enough depth in the squad to replace the suspended players. As for Croatia, Petkovic, who came off the bench to score the equaliser in the last match, might replace Kramaric in the starting eleven for semi-final match against La Albiceleste. Meanwhile, the rest of the playing eleven is unlikely to be changed.
Argentina probable starting lineup (4-3-3): E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister, Di Maria, Messi Alvarez
Croatia probable starting lineup (4-3-3): Livakovic, Juranovic, Gvardiol, Lovren, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
