13th December 2022
Semi-final
Argentina v Croatia
21:00 kick-off
Match background
Referee Daniele Orsato is likely to have his hands full trying to manage flaring tempers in a match that determines who will play in this year’s FIFA World Cup final at the selfsame Lusail Stadium.
The Italian official will come into this fixture aware that Argentina were involved in a brawl against Netherlands – a clash that produced a remarkable 16 yellow cards and one red as the South American champions clinched the tie on penalties.
The Albiceleste will be fired up once again, although perhaps slightly more cautious considering there is even more at stake this time around, while Croatia may have cooler heads with a bunch of experienced players, many who were part of the team that came close against France in Russia 2018.
The two sides have met on five previous occasions, with each registering two victories and one ending in a stalemate – their last meeting at the group stage four years ago ended 3-0 in favour of the Vatreni.
Both teams have been finalists in the last two editions, with Croatia having lost out to France last time out, while Argentina lost out to Germany in Brazil 2014.
Team News
Argentina
It’s fair to say anyone who writes the Croats off does so at their own peril, considering their road to the last four and the fact they were runners-up in Russia.
But Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hinted that he might have figured out a way to cut their opponents’ campaign at the penultimate stage.
“They have troubled many national teams. I won’t mention the key players or their strengths and weaknesses but we’ve analysed where we can hurt them,” Scolani explained.
“Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. We try to give it all on the pitch. Sometimes luck can be on your side. If we have a good performance, we’ll have an easier road to reach our objective. But this is football, this is sport, so sometimes the best team may not win.”
Croatia
Of course, coach Zlatko Dalic was asked about that ill-tempered match between the Argentines and the Dutch, and he knows all too well what it’s like being on the other side after getting the cold shoulder from Jorge Sampoli.
“I understand the actors involved and the expectations were high back then [in 2018]. It happens and we shall not hold any grudges. I don't get angry at anyone in an emotional state of mind,” the coach said at his pre-match conference.
“Argentina against Netherlands was also quite feisty and difficult with many non-football related behaviours. I really hope this will not be the case.”
Players to watch
Enzo Fernandez
Age: 21
Has gone quietly about his business in the Argentine midfield, after being used as an impact player in their opening two games in the group stage.
Once convinced, coach Scaloni switched him to a starter and Fernandez quickly established a solid combination alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Rodigro de Paul, with his age a huge advantage when matches do stretch past regular time.
Dominik Livakovic
Age: 27
One of the first names to come to mind when Croatia are discussed at this FIFA World Cup, and his numbers prove why.
Livakovic has played all five games so far and kept two clean sheets, while being the star of both penalty shoot-out victories over Japan and five-time champions Brazil to keep his side in the competition.
He’s the kind of goalkeeper that can help his team win a tournament.