Argentina and Croatia face each other as the last two World Cup runner-ups. A late equalizer forced a penalty shootout after physically and emotionally taxing quarterfinals for both sides. Unlike their South American rivals Brazil, Argentina was able to rebound from the shock of a quick-fire Dutch double to triumph on penalties. At the cost of the Selecao, Croatia extended their unblemished streak to five straight shootouts. This matchup pits two camps that have successfully used any rumor of criticism, no matter how innocent it may seem to a third party, to energize their teams in this tournament.
Argentina team news
Rodrigo De Paul’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, as well as the player himself adamantly denied any concerns that he would miss the quarterfinal match with the Netherlands due to injury. Leandro Paredes took over for De Paul after he had played for 66 minutes. In Argentina’s fierce final-eight match, a record-breaking 18 cards were administered. It’s impressive that only two of Scaloni’s players are suspended in light of that total. Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel, two fullbacks, will not play against Croatia.
Croatia team news
Four players, including key midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric, entered Croatia’s quarterfinal one caution away from a suspension but managed to navigate the legal minefield. It is anticipated that Zlatko Dalic will have a completely fit and available team to choose from.
Argentina vs Croatia World Cup score prediction
The late collapse Argentina suffered against the Netherlands was not the first lead they had given up in Qatar. The Albiceleste lead Saudi Arabia 1-0 in their opening match before the tournament’s first upset came within a five-minute span. In stoppage time, it became a little hairy even against Australia. Although Croatia prefers it that way, Argentina, led by a very competitive Lionel Messi, is the favorite going into this semifinal. Dalic’s underdogs surely possess the willpower and talent necessary to pull off another victory against all odds, but that outcome is not the most likely one.
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