Modric will face Lionel Messi in the semi-finals. The great player for Croatia, Luka Modric, has praised Lionel Messi but said that the Albiceleste are more than just one player ahead of his team’s 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal matchup with Argentina. On Friday, December 9, Croatia defeated five-time champion Brazil on penalties to advance to the semifinals. After extra time, the score remained tied at 1-1; the match then proceeded to penalties, which the 2018 FIFA World Cup champions triumphed 4-2.
The quarterfinal penalty shootout was tense for Argentina as well. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Argentina stopped Van Dijk and Steven Berghuis to help his team win 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 after extra time. On Tuesday, December 13, Croatia and Argentina will compete in the Lusail Iconic Stadium for a spot in the championship game. One of the pivotal contests is expected to be between Modric and Messi. The legendary Real Madrid player met Messi 26 times, winning 12, losing 9, and drawing 5 times.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner remarked about Argentina in advance of their matchup in the semifinals: “Argentina is a big team. I want to play against multiple players, not just one. Leo Messi is undoubtedly their finest player and very big, so it will be difficult for us to stop him, but we are ready for it and will give it our all. Let’s strive to play the best tournament match of our lives. I’m hoping that’ll be sufficient to make it to the final.” Four years ago, in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup, Messi and company fell to Croatia 3-0.
After the Vatreni eliminated tournament favorites Brazil on Friday, Lionel Messi showered Luka Modric and company with admiration. The forward for Paris Saint-Germain claimed that Zlatko Dalic’s team showed their grit and stood up to Tite’s Selecao. “Croatia proved that they are a terrific team,” he remarked. They occasionally competed on an even playing field with Brazil. They are a group of athletes that have been working with the same coach for a long time and are well acquainted. Five matches between Croatia and Argentina have resulted in 12 goals being scored between the two teams. Each side has won two matches, with one going to overtime.
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