In a World Cup semi-final that pits South American flair against the skill of Croatia’s Luka Modric and a remarkable fighting spirit, Argentina and Lionel Messi face off against Croatia on Tuesday.
Morocco, the first African team to reach the last four of a World Cup, Morocco takes on reigning champions France on Wednesday in the second semi-final.
Morocco is known for its giant-killing abilities. However, the Lusail Stadium, where Messi, now 35, will attempt to lead Argentina into the final for the second time in eight years against the beaten finalists in 2018, will first and foremost be the focus of all attention.
Messi, who lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, wants to win the World Cup and become like another Argentinian legend, Diego Maradona, who passed away in 2013.
The forward of PSG played a crucial role
The forward for Paris Saint-Germain played a crucial role in Friday’s stormy quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands. There were a record 18 yellow cards and players from both teams got into a confused fight as the referee tried to get back in control.
After Argentina won the penalty shootout, players appeared to mock their distraught Dutch opponents before sprinting away to celebrate.
Indeed, even the regularly unassuming Messi was up to speed in the animosity, yelling abuse at Dutch players while he was being evaluated after the game.
Argentina mentor Lionel Scaloni protected his players’ lead in a night-before-game news gathering on Monday, demanding they had no reason to be sorry.
“Both teams played the game the right way the other day.
“The game was played correctly.”
Croatia surprised once more
Since finishing third at the 1998 World Cup, Croatia hasn’t won a knockout game in normal time at a major tournament. They reached the last four by beating Brazil and Japan in penalty shootouts.
The nation of 3.9 million people surprised the world of football by reaching the final four years ago, where France shattered their hopes with a 4-2 victory.
Despite the fact that Real Madrid playmaker Modric, who is 37 years old, is still the team’s leader on the field, Croatia has once more defied the odds to be within striking distance of a second final.
Zlatko Dalic, the coach, said he wanted the game on Tuesday to be called the “greatest game” in the country’s history.
He continued, “However, we want more.” I am upbeat and have complete faith in my players. They deserve to be in the final because they have demonstrated their outstanding quality and character.
Dalic stated that despite the marathon games in the previous two rounds, Qatar’s lack of energy would not be a problem.
He stated, “We are still strong, without a doubt, with energy and enthusiasm.” As we have done in previous games, we will give it our all.
“We will do the same thing and give everything we have against Argentina.” We don’t have any issues with injuries. They don’t feel tired.”
France is the clear favorite to win against Morocco on Wednesday and move closer to defending their title.
However, the African team’s historic run to the semifinals has captured the imagination of the continent and has been backed by a large number of Qatari fans.
Because France was the colonial power in Morocco and hundreds of thousands of Moroccans lived and work in the country, the match will be spicier.
Royal Air Maroc has announced that it will add 30 additional return flights to accommodate euphoric fans due to the high demand.
Raphael Varane, a defender for France, has insisted that the World Cup winners will not be content.
He stated, “We know Morocco is not here by accident.” We experienced players must ensure that everyone is ready for another battle.
Limited who is familiar with winning World Cups, Brazilian star Ronaldo, said he accepted France would proceed to return to-back global crowns.
Ronaldo, who scored both goals as Portugal defeated Germany to win the World Cup in 2002, told an AFP-member media roundtable: France continues to solidify their status as heavy favorites, as evidenced by match after match.