Caitlin Dillon
The semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will get underway today as South American heavyweights and two-time champions Argentina take on 2018 finalists Croatia at Lusail Stadium.
Argentina go into today’s match off the back of a dramatic quarter-final against The Netherlands, in which Argentina came out victorious following a penalty shoot-out. In the round of 16, the side beat Australia 2-1, and in the group stages they won two matches – against Mexico and Poland – and suffered one shock loss at the hands of Saudi Arabia.
Croatia, meanwhile, won both knockout phase games following dramatic penalty shoot-outs, having upset Brazil in the quarter-finals and Japan in the round of 16. In the group stages, Croatia played out two goalless draws – against Morocco and Belgium – and beat Canada 4-1.
The two nations have met five times in the last three decades, and tonight’s match will be their third FIFA World Cup tie. While Argentina may be firm fan favourites due to their pedigree, their most recent meeting at Russia 2018 saw Croatia dominate, downing the Argentines 3-0.
The semi-final match will get underway at 10pm Doha time.
Argentina line-up: Damian Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez.
Croatia line-up: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic.