Tears are moving from football’s greatest hotshots as they make close-to-home ways out from what may be their last World Cup. Neymar was the first. Then Cristiano Ronaldo was involved. Is Lionel Messi a possibility? Behind Messi’s push to win the game’s biggest prize at the end of his career, momentum is building.
The 35-year-old playmaker for Argentina has led his team to the semifinals. Much like Diego Maradona, who is often compared to Messi, led the South American nation to its second and most recent World Cup title in 1986. Croatia, a nation of 4 million people, is now on Argentina’s way.
Croatia has one of football’s most graceful players, Luka Modric. Who is earning a reputation as the most resolute and durable of opponents? In a matchup between the two teams that finished as runners-up in the tournament, the teams square off at Lusail Stadium. Which is also where the final will be held on Sunday: 2014 in Argentina and 2018 in Croatia
It was possible to anticipate Argentina being in this position. The team was the Copa America champion and was undefeated in 36 matches. Messi was back to his best for Paris Saint-Germain when they went to the World Cup. The Croatians made much less noise, but they kept surprising, just like they did four years ago. When they beat Argentina 3-0 in the group stage to make it to the final.
In 1998, they also made it to the World Cup semifinals. Both teams have encountered awkward situations. After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in what will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup. Argentina experienced its darkest period right at the beginning of the competition.
Argentina beat Australia 2-1 in the round of 16 thanks to the inspiration of Messi and one of the most passionate fan bases in Qatar. In a wild quarterfinal match, Argentina needed penalties to beat the Netherlands. Messi is now one goal behind the tournament’s top scorer. Kylian Mbappé, with four goals in Qatar.
In a World Cup where numerous other top players have lived up to their lofty reputations. They are probably the two standout players. Modric is a good example. It’s possible that he failed to score. He has not even received assistance. However, the little magician who maintains momentum in midfield and is able to assert some control over a team that fights until the very end should not be underestimated by Croatia.
In 2018, each of Croatia’s knockout games went into extra time before the team lost to France in the final. The same thing is happening in Qatar, where the team beat Japan. In the last 16 and Brazil in the quarterfinals on penalties. Croatia appeared to be more at ease against Brazil than against Japan.
Indicating that the team might prefer to place pressure on itself and pick the right times to advance than to dominate games and be more susceptible to counterattacks. Containing Messi will be crucial, and holding midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who shielded Croatia’s defense against Brazil so effectively, will bear a significant amount of that responsibility.
Due to suspensions, Argentina will be without two players: Right-back Gonzalo Montiel and left-back Marcos Acura Acura will likely be replaced by Nicolás Tagliafico, who impressed since joining the team following the defeat to Saudi Arabia.