Football

Croatia set for the Argentina test

 

Having qualified for the semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Croatia will face another tough test against Argentina.

The 2018 runners-up had won all their knockout games through penalties.

 After sending Brazil home in the quarter-finals, Croatia will aim to reach back-to-back finals when they lock horns with another South American team, Argentina, in Tuesday’s semi-final at Lusail Iconic Stadium.

Both sides had progressed to this stage via penalties after 120 minutes of draws.

Thus, both teams have penalty prowess which they showed by settling nervy quarter-final contests.

Argentina will undoubtedly rely on the magic of Lionel Messi, who scored and created an assist in their last encounter against the Netherlands.

Argentina will be going into the back of a nervy clash against the Netherlands that produced 17 yellow cards.

Now that they have held their nerves and proceeded to the last four, they would want to avoid taking on Croatia but have no choice this time around.

Brazil was on the verge of reaching the semi-final before a late goal from Croatia turned the result. It would have been an all-South American semi-final between Brazil and Argentina.

Now that this will not be the case for Lionel Scaloni’s crop, the Copa America winners’ record in World Cup semi-finals favour them. 

Every time Argentina got to the semi-final of a world cup, they usually proceed to the final. This is the Sixth, the most recent of which came in the 2014 tournament before their heartbreaking defeat to Germany.

Apart from having Messi, Scaloni’s gallant goal scorers enter the semi-finals, having scored at least two goals in each of their last four matches in all tournaments. They have scored in each of their last 14 in total.

However, this record could be stopped by Croatia. They have to face the staunch rearguard action of Croatia if they want to proceed to the final.

 Apart from the fact that Messi will be handy, Dominik Livakovic, who denied Brazil repeatedly, will also have his handful.

Argentina will therefore need to be on Croatia’s defence in search of goals. Going into penalties on this one might not favour them.

This game is expected to produce many goals as usual.

Oladipupo Mojeed 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

NBA: Warriors’ De’Anthony Melton to Miss Season with Knee Surgery

Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn… Read More

November 21, 2024

Juan Mata Becomes First Active International Footballer to Join MLS Ownership with San Diego FC

World Cup-winning Spanish footballer Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Millot may join PSG as French champions react to Yamal link

Since joining VfB Stuttgart from AS Monaco at a young age, Enzo Millot has thrived… Read More

November 21, 2024

Top three talking points for Premier League’s return

With the final international break of 2024 done and dusted, league football can resume across… Read More

November 21, 2024

PGA Tour introduces new changes ahead for 2026

The PGA Tour has announced significant changes to its eligibility criteria and tournament structures, set… Read More

November 21, 2024

Barcelona to endure lengthy Yamal absence

Spanish La Liga club Barcelona may have to endure a lengthy absence for Spanish winger… Read More

November 21, 2024