Croatia and Argentina previously met in the 2018 World Cup when the former reigned supreme with a 3-0 victory. Suffice it to say, the Argentinians will be in search of redemption.
Croatia is on the cusp of creating World Cup history as they look to be in pursuit of gracing the World Cup Finals once again. The Croats face a laborious task as they await Lionel Messi and his fellow countrymen.
Although they emerged victorious the Vatreni were pushed to the limit in their past couple of games edging Japan and Brazil in successive penalty shootouts. The nation had fallen behind in both fixtures and rallied back to level the game before sending it to extra time.
Against Argentina however, they run the risk of burning themselves out in the Finals if the same pattern persists, provided they surface triumphant. The Croats face conceivably their most onerous challenge yet against Lionel Messi.
Croatia will lean on the midfield trio of Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, and captain Luka Modric to control the game and penetrate ‘La Albiceleste’ centrally to create opportunities. Luka Modric will need to fire on all cylinders in order to provide the Croatians with a hint of victory.
The Croats have fielded an unchanged 11 from the side that held the Brazilians to a stalemate until extra time. Argentina however, have reintroduced Nicolas Tagliafico into their starting 11, while Leandro Paredes is offered his tournament debut.
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