Argentina captain Lionel Messi said Croatia is a great team ahead of a semi-final clash. La Albiceleste secured their place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after beating the Netherlands 3-4 on penalties in a quarter-final clash at Lusail Stadium on Friday.
Nahuel Molina put Argentina ahead in a game with a great shot from a wonderful assist from Lionel Messi in the 34th minute of the game. Lionel Messi doubled the South American’s lead on the penalty spot in the 73rd minute of the game. However, the Netherlands made a brilliant comeback to the game scoring twice through Wout Weghorst late in the game.
Both teams played a goalless extra time before going into penalties. Goalkeeper Emi Martínez saved Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis’ penalties, scoring Argentina’s place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Lionel Messi is Croatian
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has admitted he will face a tough test against Croatia.
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Speaking to the media, he said: “Croatia showed that they are a great team. At times, they played on an equal footing with Brazil. It is a team that has been working with the same coach for a long time and they know each other very well”.
The Argentina vs Croatia match will be played at the Lusail Stadium on December 14. The match will feature some of the best footballers in the world, including Lionel Messi, Lisandro Martínez and Luka Modric.
Meanwhile, Croatia secured their place in the semifinals after defeating Brazil on penalties in a quarterfinal tie at Education City Stadium on Friday. The game ended 0-0 in regulation time with both teams unable to find a breakthrough.
Neymar broke the tie during the 115th minute of the game before Bruno Petković equalized the score and took the game to penalties. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković saved a Rodrygo penalty, while Marquinhos also failed to score during the shootout. securing Croatia’s place in the last four of the tournament.
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When is the next 2022 FIFA World Cup match?
Portugal will face Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash on December 10, 2022. England, meanwhile, is also scheduled to play France in the quarter-final at the Al Bayt Stadium. on December 11. 2022.
The winners of both games will face each other in a semi-final clash at Al Bayt Stadium on December 15.
