Croatia, runners-up in 2018, are the following impediment for argentina to conquer on Tuesday within the semifinals as Messi goals to win the only main trophy that has eluded him.
But Croatia, who misplaced to France within the ultimate in Russia, are on their very own undertaking to head one step additional this time round.
“I don’t think we need to fear anybody. We need to look at ourselves to play our best game,” Croatia defender Josip Juranovic mentioned on Sunday. “I would say the secret of our success is our togetherness, our unity. The fact that we act and play as a family.”
Neymar was once left in tears after Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on consequences following a 1-1 draw thru time beyond regulation of their quarterfinal fit.
Messi has been in impressed shape all the way through Argentina’s run to the semifinals, scoring 4 targets in 5 video games. His help for Nahuel Molina in opposition to the Netherlands within the quarterfinals was once a second of magic from the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi seems to have taken it upon himself to steer his nation to its 3rd World Cup triumph and a primary since 1986.
Argentina remaining reached the general in 2014—shedding 1–0 to Germany on the Maracana Stadium in Brazil. That was once as shut as Messi has come to lifting soccer’s largest trophy and he is only one sport clear of having every other shot at it.
Croatia seems calm for now forward of the sport at Lusail Stadium.
“We don’t have a specific plan, at least not yet, for stopping Lionel Messi,” mentioned Croatia striker Bruno Petkovic. “Usually we don’t concentrate on just stopping one player but the whole team.
“The manner we way this is we wish to forestall them as a group. Not by means of guy marking or some more or less identical techniques. Argentina is not just Messi.”
One of Croatia’s main strengths is a midfield led by Real Madrid star Luka Modric.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić described it as the best midfield in the world after beating Brazil, adding that it “paralysed” Neymar and Brazil.
“I believe Mateo (Kovacic), Luka (Modric) and Marcelo (Brozovic) are the most efficient Croatian midfield in historical past,” Juranovic added.
“When you move them the ball it is more secure than having your cash within the financial institution. Everything will get actual simple whilst you play with them.”