Croatian midfielder Luka Modric also received love from fans on after leaving the pitch in what may be his last World Cup appearance of his career. Luka Modric off to a standing ovation from even Argentina fans. Bro stacking up on standing ovations at almost every stadium he has played.
Doha: Argentina and Lionel Messi take on Croatia on Tuesday in a FIFA World Cup semi-final that pits the South American’s flair and brilliant fighting spirit against Luka Modric’s guile.
In the other semi-final on Wednesday, reigning champions France will face giant-killing Morocco, the first African team to reach the last four of a World Cup.
Messi will be looking to lead his team to a second FIFA final in three tournaments. While Croatia are runners-up in the 2018 Cup after France beat them to lift the trophy in Russia.
Argentina suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Germany in the 2014 final. The global football star will be eager to finally crown an extraordinary career by winning the World Cup and emulating another Argentine legend, the late Diego Maradona.
Beat Argentina. Netherlands in the quarter-finals after a nail-biting game that ended in a penalty shootout.
The match ended in a penalty shootout after the two teams were tied 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes as well as 30 minutes of extra time.
Rarely, even the mild-mannered Messi was seen in anger, shouting at the Dutch players in interviews after the game.
Croatia beat Japan and pre-tournament favorites Brazil in a penalty shootout to reach the last four. Croatia have not won a knockout game in regular time at a major tournament since finishing third at the 1998 World Cup.
Despite this, the European country surprised the football world by reaching the final four years ago. However, France dashed their dreams with a 4-2 win in the final.
Croatian coach Zlatko Delek said he wanted Tuesday’s match to be remembered as the “greatest game” in the country’s history.
“To be among the top four national teams at the World Cup again is an extraordinary achievement for Croatia,” Delek added.
In the other semi-final, the first African team to finish in the top four at the FIFA WC Morocco will face defending champions France.
Although France are favorites to beat Morocco and move one step closer to defending their title, Morocco’s highly unlikely run has won the support of global football fans.
The game will add drama as France was Morocco’s colonial power and millions of people with Moroccan roots live and work in the country.