FIFA WORLD CUP: TONIGHT ARGENTINA AND CROATIA FACE OFF IN THE SEMIFINALS
ARGENTINA AND CROATIA FACE OFF IN THE SEMIFINALS
This World Cup semi-final pits Argentina's Lionel Messi against Croatia's Luka Modric and a remarkable fighting spirit. It will be the reigning champions France who will face giant-killing Morocco in the second semi-final on Wednesday. All eyes will be on the cavernous Lusail Stadium, where Messi will endeavor to guide Argentina into the final for the second time in eight years against the beaten finalists in 2018. This World Cup semi-final pits Argentina's Lionel Messi against Croatia's Luka Modric and a remarkable fighting spirit. It will be the reigning champions France who will face giant-killing Morocco in the second semi-final on Wednesday. All eyes will be on the cavernous Lusail Stadium, where Messi will endeavor to guide Argentina into the final for the second time in eight years against the beaten finalists in 2018.
Following his loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, Messi is determined to complete a remarkable career by winning the World Cup and replicating the achievements of another Argentinean legend, Diego Maradona. During Friday's stormy quarter-final win over the Netherlands, where a record 18 yellow cards were shown and players from both sides engaged in a melee as the referee struggled to regain control, the Paris Saint-Germain forward played a critical role.
As Messi was being interviewed after the game, he shouted abuse at Dutch players in the midst of the bad blood. During a news conference held on the eve of the game on Monday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his players' conduct, insisting that they did not deserve to apologize. The game played by both teams the other day was played correctly. "I believe that's the essence of football," said the 44-year-old coach.
Croatia, who beat Japan and pre-tournament favorites Brazil on penalties to reach the final four, has not reached the final of a major tournament in normal time since they came third in the 1998 World Cup. Even though the country of 3.9 million people reached the final four years ago, France crushed their dreams with a 4-2 victory. At the age of 37, Croatia's Modric remains the leader on the pitch, defying the odds once again to advance to a second consecutive final. According to coach Zlatko Dalic, Tuesday's match should be remembered as one of the nation's greatest games.
“For Croatia, qualifying for back-to-back World Cups is an extraordinary achievement. However, we are anticipating doing even better in the future." "I have full confidence in my players and am optimistic about the future. They have demonstrated great quality and strength of character, and deserve to be in the final." Dalic added that Qatar's lack of energy, despite its marathon games in the last two rounds, would not hinder their progress. His statement was accompanied by the statement that, without a doubt, we remain strong, energetic, and enthusiastic. Our goal is to give our all, just as we have in the past. It will be the same against Argentina. We have no injury problems. There is no feeling of tiredness."
