ARG vs CRO WC 2022: Argentina meets Croatia in the 1st semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Tuesday night, within one step of the prize.
The two sides have performed better the further they have progressed in the tournament to reach this far. It’s a knockout clash with the winner sealing a place in Sunday’s final.
There is plenty to watch in this ultimate clash as the two senior statesmen in Messi and Modric lead their sides out in a final World Cup respectively.
With all this there is to play, we look at the top 5 players to watch out for in ARG vs CRO WC 2022
Julian Alvarez
The Manchester City striker has been an able partner to Messi in the tournament so far scoring 2 goals in 5 matches.
Alvarez has been a vital figure for La Albiceleste when they begin their attacking moves and is a goal-threat when one on one with opposition defenders.
The Croatian defenders need to be on top of their game if they are to stop the young menace in Alvarez.
Nicolas Otamendi
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The Benfica defender has not been on top of his game so far in the WC 2022 but his experience remains an ace up Argentina’s sleeve.
With an assist under his belt, Argentina hope to see the senior talisman deliver another inspirational performance to help them reach within a step of the dream.
Otamendi has the Croatian forwards to deal with and looks to use his doggedness and grit to help his side go the distance.
Lionel Messi
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The captain has turned it around for the South American side after a loss in the opener. He scored 4 goals and provided 2 crucial assists in setting up Argentina’s run to the final.
Messi is within 1 assist of breaking Maradona’s tally for the nation in WC’s and the fans hope to see their leader deliver yet another inspired performance.
In the same game in 2006, Luka Modrić made his full international debut, and Lionel Messi scored his first international goal.
16 years later, they’re still battling it out on the biggest stage 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/iIyTmjkvP4
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 13, 2022
When there are pressure moments, there isn’t a more quality player in Messi to deliver.
Luka Modric
The captain and mid-fielder was at his best vs Croatia with yet another top-notch performance and will be hoping to repeat in at Lusail.
Modric’s leadership and calmness at the center of the park is what aids Croatia’s move forward.
Luka Modric all time stats for Croatia and Real Madrid so far 👏
📊Real Madrid
▪️ 454 games, 36 goals and 74 assists📊Croatia
▪️ 160 games, 23 goals and 25 assistsLegend! pic.twitter.com/qu3a7PBxeC
— Stats24 (@_Stats24) December 13, 2022
Croatia’s captain will bring a truck-load of experience for this clash and remains a key player for his nation in this massive clash.
Andrej Kramaric
It was touch and go for Gvardiol as well but we Kramaric playing a massive part in tonight’s semi-final affair.
The forward has scored twice so far in the competition and will be a threat in this must win clash. His battle vs Otamendi, Romero is a point of difference if Croatia are to succeed.
🤝 Ivan Perisic to Andrej Kramaric is the joint highest assist-to-goalscorer combination (2 goals) at #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/8PmTl6FEO2
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 5, 2022
Kramaric’s experience and technical brilliance could put the Argentine defenders under pressure and help his side get ahead in the race.
There could not be a better time for Kramaric to deliver a performance which could down in the history books of Croatian football.
