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Tyler reflected on what could potentially be the last chance for Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Luka Modric to win the FIFA World Cup, with Argentina's fiery quarter-final encounter with the Netherlands, in which eight of the match's 17 yellow cards were issued to Argentina players, showcasing a more aggressive side to Messi's game.
The 35-year-old still impressed with a stunning assist for Nahuel Molina's opener and netting La Albiceleste's second for the match, while Modric continued Croatia's midfield dominance alongside Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic in their shock quarter-final victory over pre-tournament favourites, Brazil.
Tyler saw similarities in the mentality of both sides during their previous encounters.
"Modric versus Messi, that's the way it's going to be looked at by many people, but of course it's much, much more than that," Tyler said.
"I think they're two nations that have this strong passion for their football as representation of their country generally. You might think that happens to every country but I think they take it to a different level, and I think you saw that with Argentina being involved in a very controversial quarter-final showing that passion if you like. We have to win, we have to win for the country, [whatever] it takes.
"I think Croatia feel the same. They've been in fewer difficult situations, of course the penalty shootout is always difficult but in their matches they've played with a bit more of a serenity.
"I think they have the best midfield in the World Cup, and it's going to be fascinating because one of these great, great players is going to go out and one is going to go through to the final.
"It's like everything here, it's too tough to call, but it's going to be great fun to watch."
Tyler also heaped praise onto the fairy tale side of the tournament, Morocco, and particularly the 'acrobatic' defending of centre-back duo Nayef Aguerd and captain Romain Saiss throughout the tournament.
The partnership has seen them concede just one goal at Qatar 2022, managing to hold on and nearly double their advantage in the quarter-finals against Portugal despite Saiss being stretchered off in the 57th minute and Aguerd missing the match altogether.
While both defenders are also set to miss their all-important semi-final against France, Tyler noted the North African side as a fan favourite to win the tournament and singled out their perseverance in the face of such injuries as a reason for why they have been so widely admired.
"Everybody loves them and if it wasn't for Messi, they would have total love," he said.
"But, it's amazing and the way they've done it is astounding - athletic defending. I thought Spain got what they deserved for passing the ball sideways and backwards for two hours and taking a pathetic set of penalties.
"But in criticising Spain, no one's really praised Morocco for the athletic way that they defended and what they do when they get the ball, they have go, it's not defending.
"They broke even when they were down to 10 men in those closing stages against Portugal. The midfield runner got in and he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 and he didn't quite do it, but it's just symptomatic of the way they go about it, so they've been a great watch and a great listen because the fans are also sensational."
