Argentina takes on Croatia in the first semifinal of the 2022 World Cup on Dec. 13.
The prize for the winner is a place in the final of international soccer’s most prestigious competition.
Here are five things to know about the match and a prediction of how it will finish.
Both know this stage of the World Cup well
Croatia beat England in the semifinal of the World Cup 2018 before losing 4-2 in the final against France. The country, which became independent in 1991, also reached the semifinal at its first World Cup as an independent nation, in 1998. Getting to this stage again is an achievement for a country of four million people.
Argentina, which won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, was last this deep in the competition in 2014. Then, it reached the final but lost 1-0 to Germany. These two nations met in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, with Croatia claiming a convincing 3-0 win.
This is Lionel Messi’s last chance
Nothing is certain with Messi, but this looks likely to be his last World Cup. Aged 35, Messi is not at his peak, yet has produced some moments of magic to help Argentina reach this stage including four goals and a stunning assist in the quarterfinals.
This is his fifth final for Argentina and a World Cup win is the one thing the other iconic Argentine number 10, Diego Maradona, won that Messi has not. His great rival Cristiano Ronaldo will probably never now win one with Portugal. Messi still has a chance. He and his teammates – as well as plenty of soccer romantics – want to see the hands of one of the best players of all time on the World Cup trophy.
Luka Modric continues to lead with class
Like Messi, this will almost certainly be the last World Cup for Luka Modrić. The Croatia captain and Real Madrid midfielder, 37, continues to play with the energy of a player ten years younger. His playmaking ability and poise under pressure is a key factor for Croatia reaching the semifinal.
With fellow midfielders Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić, Modrić has been part of a “golden generation” of Croatian players. As well as being technically-brilliant players, they are fighters who do not know when they are beaten. Against Brazil, Croatia had one shot on target, which resulted in its only goal in the 117th minute of extra time. In the penalty shootout, Modrić helped Croatia through with a nerveless penalty. He also scored a cracker when Croatia beat Argentina in 2018.
If it goes to penalties, both goalkeepers will be confident
Croatia has been involved in four penalty shootouts in the past two World Cups – and won them all. At this finals, it beat Japan 3-1 on penalties and Brazil 4-2. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, of Dinamo Zagreb, saved three shots from the spot against Japan and another against Brazil.
Argentina won a tense and contentious quarterfinal against Netherlands 4-3 on penalties, with Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saving two. Martínez has developed a reputation as a penalty expert, having also saved three times in last year’s Copa America semifinal win. He likes to play mind games with the penalty taker, talking to them as they walk to the spot and then bouncing on his line as they prepare to take the shot. It is an approach that has served him well thus far.
Both nations can be optimistic about the future
While this tournament may be the last for Messi and Modrić, Argentina and Croatia have some excellent young players coming through. For Argentina, midfielders Enzo Fernández, 21, and Alexis Mac Allister, 23, have impressed at the World Cup, as has striker Julián Álvarez, 22.
The standout youngster for Croatia has been defender Joško Gvardiol. The 20-year-old, who plays for RB Leipzig in Germany, already had a good reputation and his World Cup performances mean the biggest clubs in Europe will soon come calling.
Prediction
I think this will be a close match between two teams that are far from flawless. Croatia has played extra time two matches in a row and the extra minutes in the legs of the players may just give Argentina the edge. I think it will finish 1-0 for Argentina. (Forbes)