Lionel Messi and Argentina face tough test against Croatia
Only two matches are needed to win the World Cup, but Lionel Messi’s Argentina team must beat Croatia at Lusail Stadium.
Only two matches are needed to win the World Cup, but Lionel Messi’s Argentina team must beat Croatia at the Lusail Stadium Tuesday.
After beating Brazil in the previous round, the European side has once again upset the odds to reach another World Cup semifinal. Argentina’s Lionel Messi plays at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, on November 22, 2022.
After scoring a last-gasp equalizer, the Croats forced extra-time and then a penalty shootout. Brazil won this due to Dominik Livakovic’s heroics. The Brazilians were a force to be reckoned with with their attacking dynamism and were stopped by a well-trained Croatian team that played a determined defense. It seems that everyone is cheering for Lionel Messi’s first World Cup win. However, Argentina has assumed a role of villain in the tournament following their victory against the Netherlands. Argentina and Messi will need to be prepared for such a challenge, but the team already showed its willingness to dig deep in order to win at Qatar 2022.
m. Messi and his team from Croatia were a +5000 outsider, and weren’t expected to win the tournament. However, they have proven themselves to be a formidable opponent in the knockout stages. They will be buoyant after beating Brazil in a penalty shootout last Wednesday. They were also forced to take penalties in order to beat the Netherlands in Friday’s quarterfinal. This match was intense and showed that the South Americans are no pushovers. Messi wasn’t like his teammates and immediately turned to taunt the Dutch after the winning penalty was awarded on Friday. But he wasn’t shying away.
The fiery encounter ended in a draw with Marcos Acuna (defender) and Gonzalo Montiel (defender) both being suspended for the match after they were cautioned in the quarterfinals. Cristiano Ronaldo was next. Angel Di Maria’s fitness is still a concern, so Messi will be under more pressure to lead his team to the first World Cup final since 2014. Although the magician has been on top form throughout the tournament scoring four goals, it has also been his playmaking skills that has been so impressive.
Only new customers eligible for risk-free first bets up to $1,000 with NPBONUS Although he may not be as fast as he used to, the 35-year old’s vision and passing skills have been exceptional at the tournament. Croatia is now in Argentina’s path, a country of 4 million people that is earning a reputation for being the most persistent and durable of all its opponents.
It also has one of soccer’s most graceful players, Luka Modric. For example, his no-look assist in Argentina’s first goal against the Netherlands was pure genius. AZ, CO. CO, IA. IL. IN, LA. MI, NJ. NY, PA. TN. VA, WV., WY only. The refereeing by Mateu Lahoz from Spain was another issue for him. While it’s unlikely that FIFA will ban him from the semifinals, FIFA executives did take a look at his comments Monday.
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Croatia surprises again
Croatia beat Japan and Brazil in penalty shootouts to reach the final four. They haven’t won a knockout in normal time since 1998, when they were third at the World Cup.
The country of 3.9million people managed to surprise the football world by reaching last four years, where France beat them with a 4-2 victory.
Croatia is poised to host a second consecutive final, Modric, Real Madrid’s playmaker, being the leader at the pitch at 37.
Zlatko Dlic, Coach Zlatko said Tuesday’s match should be remembered as the “greatest” game in Croatia’s history.
Dalic stated, “Back-to-back World Cups to be one of the four best national teams is an extraordinary success for Croatia.”
France is a strong favourite to defeat Morocco and move closer to defending their title Wednesday.
The African team’s historic run to the semis was a highlight of Africa’s sporting history and has been supported by legions in Qatar.
This match will add spice to the mix — France was Morocco’s colonial power, and hundreds of thousands of Moroccan-born people live and work here.
Royal Air Maroc announced that it will be adding 30 additional return flights to satisfy the demand for euphoric lovers to the Gulf state.
Raphael Varane, France’s defender, insists that there will be no complacency by the World Cup holders.
Gracenote Sports data shows that Argentina is the favourite to win the World Cup trophy.
“Argentina’s chance of winning is 41%. Gracenote stated that France has a 26% chance of winning the 2018 World Cup title.
“Surprise semifinalists Croatia and Morocco have 17% and 16% chances of becoming world champions, respectively.
Gracenote stated that Argentina v France is the most likely World Cup final of all four options. This has a 37.5% chance.
Tuesday’s fixtures
Argentina vs. Croatia at 2pm ET
What to Watch
Fox Sports USA
UK BBC or ITV
Australia – SBS
Brazil: SportTV
Germany: ARD, ZDF, Deutsche Telekom
Canada Bell Media
South Africa: SABC
