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Match 61
Argentina v Croatia
Argentina came through in penalties against the Dutch in what should have been a 90 minute match - Lionel Scaloni will be concerned about their ability to see out the game, especially when holding a 2-0 lead at 73 minutes. The Netherlands scored two to equalise, with the final being added in the 11th minute of added time, but fell flat in extra time and ultimately collapsed in the penalty shootout.
Argentina did well to recapture the momentum and Emiliano Martinez was an asset in goals but they won't want to have to repeat it against a Croatian side equipped with mental toughness and confidence from two shootout wins under their belt so far this tournament.
La Albiceleste set up with a back five and were patient in possession and build-up play, getting forward with wingbacks Nahuel Molina and Marcos Acuna. It was through a piece of Lionel Messi magic that Molina found the opener, demonstrating how difficult it can be for teams to mark Lionel out of the game as was Louis van Gaal's plan.
Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel will be suspended for this match, so Nicolas Tagliafico will likely start and that might mean less attacking threat down Argentina's left side. Angel Di Maria may also come back into the starting lineup which may change Argentina's shape, although he was used as a reluctant extra-time sub against the Netherlands which indicates he may not be fully fit just yet.
Julian Alvarez has been starting in the place of Lautaro Martinez but the latter will be buoyed after dispatching the decisive penalty, while Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez have been revelations in midfield. The creative onus will of course always fall on Messi and so far he has looked up to the challenge.
Croatia overcame the odds to knock out the tournament favourites in an inspired performance - they scored with their only shot on target in minute 117 in a gut-punch to Brazil's mental fortitude, demonstrating the never-say-die attitude they've come to embody.
The midfield trio of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Mateo Kovacic simply don't stop running, even in the dying stages of extra time. It was from Modric's ball recovery that Croatia were able to mount their successful counter-attack and against Argentina they'll need all three midfielders fully recovered and energised, especially if they want to allow no space for Messi.
The Croatian defence has been impressive so far, with Joško Gvardiol and Dejan Lovren particularly solid in their last few outings - it took a remarkable Neymar play to beat them for Brazil's goal. Josip Juranovic and Borna Sosa have also been imperious at fullback, with the former rendering Vinicius Junior harmless and also handling Rodrygo when he came on. Dominik Livakovic has arguably been the hero the last two games, saving against Japan and Brazil to ensure his team go through, but it also helps that the Croatian penalty-takers have never looked like missing.
Ivan Perisic is always a threat up top and can be deadly on the counter-attack, while Andrej Kramaric and super-sub Bruno Petkovic will have confidence against an Argentina defence that conceded to a cross and a set-piece routine. Croatia may not have many goals in them against top teams but nor do they concede many and once again, if they can drag the tempo down and take Argentina to extra time they stand every chance of winning this tie.
