Croatia versus Argentina is going to be a special game as Argentina is the fan’s favorite to lift the Cup while Croatia is once again following a similar trajectory of not giving up against the big boys of football. The Zlatko Dalic-managed side defeated Brazil in style when none gave them a chance to progress and the world is quickly realizing their golden run in the 2018 World Cup was not a one-off event. Opponents Argentina have certainly been the best international side for the past two years or so and it will take a special effort to beat them. Croatia and Argentina have played five times in the past with Croatia winning twice, Argentina twice and a game ending in a draw. Argentina vs Croatia, FIFA World Cup 2022 Semifinal: Key Players to Watch Out for from Both the Squads

Let us look at the results of their last five matches:

Croatia 0 Argentina 0 – 1994 – Their first encounter ended in a goalless draw with both teams not creating many openings.

Argentina 1 Croatia 0 -1998 – Mauricio Pineda scored the only goal of the game as Argentina beat Croatia in the group stages of the 1998 World Cup in France.

Croatia 3 Argentina 2 – 2006 – Croatia defeated Argentina for the very first time back in 2006 in a thrilling fashion. Dario Simic scored a 92nd-minute winner for Croatia as the team produced a comeback in style after goals from Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi saw Argentina take a two-nil early lead. Lionel Messi Hugs Emiliano Martinez After Argentina's Win Against Netherlands in the Quarterfinal Of FIFA World Cup 2022 (Watch Video)

Argentina 2 Croatia 1 – 2014 – Lionel Messi scored a second-half penalty to help Argentina win 2-1 in a friendly game at Upton Park. Croatia lacked several big names in this match and were down to their second-string side.

Argentina 0 Croatia 3 – 2018 – Croatia thumped Argentina at the 2018 World Cup with Luka Modric producing a world-class performance and completely overshadowing Lionel Messi.

Both Croatia and Argentina are equally strong teams and it is evident from their past encounters.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2022 03:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).