It’s going to be Lionel Messi and Argentina against Luka Modrić and Croatia on Tuesday at 2PM (ET) in the first World Cup semifinal of 2022. Both sides needed a penalty kick shootout to progress past the quarterfinal round as our Vatreni came back from the dead with a late 117′ extra time equalizer from Bruno Petković. Argentina rallied in their shootout as they threw away a 2-goal lead against the Dutch on the last kick of regulation to allow extra time.
Croatia just managed to beat tournament favorites, Brazil, who are arguably the best international team in the world right now and #1 ranked side in South America. The Vatreni should be able to handle Argentina after facing Brazil in an absolute classic which lasted 120 minutes + penalties.
Croatian players that leveled up vs. Brazil: Livaković, Juranović, Petković. More to come on the Croatia vs. Argentina clash this week, however, all we know now is that their starting left-back, Marcos Acuna (Sevilla), will not be able to play due to a yellow card suspension.
Croatia just beat the best team in South America. Now they have to go through #2 to make their second consecutive World Cup Final. Such a crazy thought from such a small nation.
Croatia beat Argentina 3-0 in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup.
Welp I guess we stuffed up
The only thing stepping in our way is that we have no striker. We have to control the midfield and our pressure on attackers. Gvardiol will have no problem doing that. We also have to get down the right side fast as well with juranovic but surely we play perisic on the right and orsic on the left the youngster deserves the chance. Other than that come on Croatia.
Come on Croatia
On Rai television in Italy they asked some expert if the 4 best teams made it. He said the 3 best made it and Croatia beat Brazil. People are eating up the Morocco story and not giving us credit. We do have the world’s best midfield. That allows us to dictate the pace of the games which we then parlay into our favor. Argentina will dive, whine, and be poor sports. Messi will be his mirror cracking short ugly self. I hope we cream them.
I hate these douchebag Canadian commentators talking about France and Argentina as favorites giving Croatia no respect. That bird brain Irish drunk fuck Kilbane said Croatia’s strikers couldn’t play in Canadas starting 11 Lmao. These guys are clowns
Ivan Perisic has 6 world cup goals and Kramaric has 3. Only a clown would think they would not start for Canada. Eff Canada, its as simple as that.
They said Perisic wouldn’t make Canada’s starting forwards
Just about died on that one
Dalic is getting all the credit but does any other team have the supporting cast of assistant coaches we have who have World Cup&CL experience?
Corluka ,Mario Olic I noticed Ladic giving livakovic instructions before PK’s.
They are doing a lot of the dirty work no doubt..getting no praise but all we hear about is Dalic.
General question for the group . More than one . What are the chances after this cup that they will bring Petar Musa to the team. also any hope that Gabriel Vidovic will come over to our side and finally how good is Roko Simic
I think vidovic is a done deal after seeing what Germany has done the past while and what it means to play for Croatia
Our identity, our passion, the checkers… it means more then German “fame”
Livakovic’s 11 saves were for the most part team saves, the result of Croatia’s defensive structure funneling Brazil’s dangerous attacks into narrow channels that Livakovic smartly closed down. Besides Neymar’s goal, which was brilliant by him and his team, I thought the best two chances were Perisic’s point blank whiff and Brozovic’s miss in extra time: Petkovic didn’t just nutmeg the Brazilian in the box, he also recovered his own nutmeg and put the ball on platter for Brozovic; I understand Broz was inside the edge of the box but he had nobody between him and the goalie and Petkovic’s pass was purposefully at a slow pace giving Broz the opportunity to one time it.
Exactly. Gvardiol’s near autogol was Brazil’s biggest chance too.
To respond to the Croatian inspector general, i think the commentators got it right to focus on Brazil losing over croatia winning
Croatia played a generally great game with a really good game plan
And the result was to give them a punchers chance and hope to catch lightning in a bottle which we did
But make no mistake that Brazil Brazil is the better and wins 8 out of 10 times.
Brazil got 11 shots on goal and croatia didn’t get its first shot on goal till the 117th minute when a petkovic deflection went in. Croatia played tried to kill the clock and the game and didn’t push anyone forward.
You put yourself in a position to get lucky and croatia did that…but they definitely got lucky to win and the bigger story for non Croatian sports followers is how Brazil got themselves in that position
Dear Mr Truth. Your correct that Brazil is the better team and would probably win 8 out of 10 times. I thought we played well and we also had a bit of luck. My issues is more the disrespect shown us. Just dismissing how we held the most powerful soccer team in the world score less is absurd. It was not the blow out that people called for . When we won the narrative changed , that Brazil just had a bad night . Played horrible and that were lucky . Not a single pundit gave us a chance . The whole story became about more Neymar losing and messi winning. Now Morocco wins oh boy what a team. I did not see any offense by Morocco what so ever . They did not control possession and had a lot more luck than we did in winning their games. You make good points and not saying you wrong. But pundits could off said hey great game. The Croatian team had better conditioning that we expected. Hey the Croatian subs were more technical and skilled than we thought . They were dangerous at times but nothing . perhaps I am just too senstive. I find it disrespectful
Yeah that Morocco goal was a goalkeeping howler of an error. In fact that Portugese goalkeeper was dogshit, he nearly made another bad fuckup.
Why are you still talking? Didn’t I tell you to STFU bitch? Really? They would WIN 8 out of 10 games huh? What would be the result of the other two games? That was no “miracle”, Croatia has a better defense and a better midfield, maybe even a better goalie; that’s 7-8 out of 11 starters right there. Brazil has a better front line so they got some shots off in narrow channels Livakovic closed down but other than that the game was relatively even. And your prediction about Orsic’s virus destroying the team was wrong too but the clown who calls himself “The truth” never admits he’s wrong.
Why are Argentinians and Messi fans acting like Croatia will be an easy match up? We are defensively the best team they will play, and also have the best midfield of all the teams they’ve played.
Argentinian fans on the internet are talking about the final already. Such trolls.
None of Argentian fans think that Croatia Will be easy , it has demonstrated to be a tough team. There is not such a thing as an easy semifinal. But we are confident of our strengths. Nothing else
Brazil’s got millions more football players than Croatia has people but the “Croatia punching above their weight” analogy after I heard someone call Brazil “a true heavyweight” is rather silly. Real football, the game played with the feet is not a smaller man fighting a much larger man, it’s 11 footballing men against another 11 footballing men.
And btw, the fact you have to play the ball at your feet in and of itself mitigates foot speed to a large degree; anyone who understands football would take a roster of superior technicians over a roster w/ superior foot speed. Contrastingly, in the sport of tackleball, foot speed (relative to which position) is by far the most important factor, one example: you could literally be the best route runner and ball catcher in the world but if you don’t have the requisite size/speed ratio for that position you can’t play.
Back to the boxing analogy, besides the safety issue of what effect the much larger fighter’s punching power would have on a smaller man, there is another factor: if a middle weight goes on a 5 mile jog with a heavyweight the middle weight will run it faster, 10 miles much faster, etc. But when a middle weight spars with a heavy weight the middle weight will become dead tired while the heavy weight will feel fresh as a daisy; I don’t know the physiological science behind that but I know it’s the reality. So obviously that ain’t football, that’s not what happened in extra time between Brazil and Croatia.
Speaking of heavyweights Thomas, if Croatia meet those tough Moroccan sons of bitches again, you can draw some inspiration from proto-Croat Antonio Plazibat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwuRwBH0QxQ
Morocco Croatia final has 0-0 penalties all over it!
I sure hope not. Argentina have been to more penalty shootouts in the WC than any other team and won all but one. I know we’re great at penalty shootouts, but I’d rather not get to that point with Argentina.
Croatia/Morocco final will be 3-0 Croatia, as Dalic will have figured out the Morocco defense by then.
Hopefully that’s the plan.
I am not happy with coverage we have seen regarding our team. We tied Morocco we played horrible . we hold Brazil and win well it was the coach fault Neymar this that . The mighty Spaniards and their tiki Tok soccer along with their Portuguese couisns could not break the mighty Morocco bunker and they praise Morocco . We get no respect , I swear it piss me off. The story last night was all messi and Brazil failure and no mention of u s. let me tell you something else . We get to the final and play Morocco nobody will be rooting for us. Thats they I like it . Out backs to the wall so we can see our enemies
Croatia and Morocco – no doubt who the group of death was.
Hi Lovro
it could very well be a Morocco Croatia final
if Croatia go through to finals, gonna have to root for the England/France winner to beat Morocco…as crazy as that sounds
Morroco will fulfill the prophecy
–> Punish Us on the final match
we know that Lovren will be there
and get punished by Marroconian
And Morocco take out Portugal. Isuse.
https://youtube.com/shorts/LR2j-hXx0_0?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/ztaN6V84hCg?feature=share
2 world cups with var and two Croatian semi final appearances.
Can’t help but think maybe var has decreased the big team ref bias advantage
Did you even watch the 2018 finals, clown?
I feel more at ease with Lovren then in the past. Josko and Dejan have created a symbiotic relationship. The current officiating is not red card happy. I thought a red card might come out in the Argentina game, but it did not.
I still think our best line up to date was with Belgium where we fielded 12 players. Lakaku played as a 5th back, clearing out all potential goals played in the box. The man of the match at that.
My hand is UP ..
Livakovic, Juranovic, and Lovren ALL have stepped UP and have always given their personal best for Croatia.
I wonder if having a world class cb in the form of our 20 year old Gvardiol supports them physically and psychologically.
Sosa is also super skilled LB.
@ Svima
I LOVE that everyone is buying the Messi narrative.
We are immune to that BS.
We have our own legend and his name is Luka Modrić.
ZDS
https://twitter.com/KFC_UKI/status/1601241831798251520?s=20&t=0n-_x7bnCYoeEceIqQAUpA
Funny tweet from KFC, lol.
Hands up, those who thought Livakovic, Juranovic, and Lovren would be the weak links in the Cro defensive chain against Brazil. Btw, both my hands will be up when I finish typing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl_AXjCMn2q/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY=
Orsic has some interesting comments here. Liva will be sold he claims.
Petition….
Can you guys please not make the same mistake AGAIN and go to the World Cup?
Keep the momentum going, watch it in L.A. – let’s WIN the tournament and then we can all party in Hrvatska next summer!
🙏❤️🇭🇷
Ratings v. Brazil
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11521641/PLAYER-RATINGS-Neymars-classy-finish-not-Brazil-Luka-Modric-shines-Croatia.html
and
https://www.90min.com/posts/croatia-1-1-brazil-4-2-on-pens-player-ratings-selecao-crash-out-penalties-09-12-22
MY biggest concern is the ref. Anyone notice the hand ball by Messi that he got pass on? no yellow ? Thats actually a red card if the ref wants it to be. that penalty they gave them was kind of soft . and pundits just loved it . This cannot go OT penalties. We need to win 90 minutes. Cannot continue to play for 150min killing ourselves . Plus that Argentina goalie is scary good
Hopefully this turns out to be the karma/retribution World Cup for the two biggest WC fiascos Croatia endured. First two playoff games, beat Japan and Brazil. The Brazil game in 2014 with the Japanese ref. And beat Argentina and France next week, after the 2018 debacle against France with that asshole Argentine ref. THAT would be perfect karma.
We have an offensive thrust with Oršić, Vlašić and Majer.
They just need to be on the pitch earlier.
Vlašić needs to start at RW against Argentina.
I like the box presence of Budimir to start. He at least opens up space. Petković was due and came through. Budimir may come through as well.
Then you got Pasalic, Kramaric and Petković in the second half depending on what you need?
JJ has arrived and his attacking confidence is growing to match his motor on the right flank.
Sosa is the goods.
Gvardiol and Lovren are locked in.
Brozovic is world class.
Kovačić will skip past Argentina just like he skipped past Brazil. If he wants to bless us with one of his signature golasso, then now would be good time.
Luka is at the peak of his powers at 37. He is sourced by his Soul and his love for Croatia.
Perišić LOVES big games and big moments.
Dalic will have the game plan from his direct scouting of Messi and his VAST World Cup experience.
I wonder if he can now see the tweaks to allow for a more offensive attack against Argentina.
Once we open the scoring and take the lead we become exponentially more offensive as our style lends itself to scoring more and more.
Now there is absolutely no doubt in my mind – Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic are the best midfield in the World.
No extra motivation needed, but…
The taunting of the Dutch after losing the shootout- by captain Messi and Argentina- disgusting and antithesis of Croatian team behavior
I did notice that, not classy at all by them. Paredes has a screw lose too with that reckless tackle followed by the full speed kick of the ball towards the Dutch bench. How he wasn’t double booked is beyond me.
Anyway, I think Brozovic will be a key player to keep these Argentines honest.
Did you see the Dutch taunting the Aregtntians before they took their penalties though? That was equally as disgusting. Now I see why the Argentinians celebrated in the faces of NL. Not to mention all the shit talking Van Gaal did before the game, attacking players – reminds me of the Canada coach
GUYS, do you all remember that time we beat Brazil in the quarter final of a world cup to make our 3rd semi final in only 6 attempts? Man i could’ve sworn it feels like it was only yesterday or so!!
😀
Imagine you are borna Sosa right now.
You were dating a cute girl. But a supermodel who won ms universe a couple years ago comes up to you and asks you out. She hopes to win ms universe again soon, but now she’s a little washed up and going to community college, and maybe she did too many drugs. So you date this new supermodel a little bit. She’s fun, and very sexy. BUT, turns out she is psycho and gets pregnant by another man and then tries to say it’s your baby then she tries to kill you for your life insurance. And she has
Chlamydia and genital warts.
So you go back to the cute girl. She’s mad you left for the supermodel. But you apologize and she takes u back she makes you sarma and takes you to church on Sunday. Turns out life’s not so bad. You get to know her more and she’s pretty cool. Turns out she’s a smart Croatian girl who loves anal and blowjobs and loves cooking u sarma. Also – she’s a doctor and makes all the money so you can stay home and watch sports all day and gamble. You marry her a
And life is good. You made it.
You realize you dodged a bullet with ms universe.
Sosa realizes he dodged a bullet with Germany who is at home eating bratwurst and hit the jackpot with hrvatska.
Good anal-ogy, lol
Luka must be so valuable for scouting especially today
He knows vini(helped to give JJ the upper hand)and the other Brazilians on Madrid , cassemiro
Neymar of course too
In Qatar. Awesome here.
U went there, wat????
Awesome – enjoy Maminjo!
I have NO idea why Dalic’s tactics and player choices are working.
Also, I don’t care. I’m never questioning this man’s decision making again, and he can stay head coach for the next 30 years for all I care.
The best thing about the Croatian team is their no nonsense, hard working, & never say die approach towards every game, this is a reflection of how all Croatians live from day to day .
I am so proud of my wifes culture,
A big congrats to all the Croatian people, small Nation big heart
Honestly, it’s a big plus that Acuna is out for this game. On Reddit, Argentinians were commenting that Acuna was the second most important player after Messi. Brazil was a huge hurdle for us, I think it will give the Vatreni a boost of confidence moving forward. I’m. hoping against Argentina, we play a more offensive game. I’m hoping Croatia can score the first goal, and finish this game in 90 minutes rather than going to overtime. The last time Croatia scored first in a WC was against Iceland in 2018? (I may be wrong on this one, so don’t quote me). Argentina are not so disciplined on defense as we have seen with Morocco or Japan, so I am hoping we can make some plays and score early. I would like to see Orsic get more time in the game, he was absolutely fundamental in today’s game his first touch being a game changer.
People are saying the stadium will be filled with mainly Argentina fans, but I doubt this will negatively impact our Croatian side. They are made of steel, and this should only motivate them more hearing the boos.
But still, we should not doubt Argentina. Argentina from 2018 was a different team, only 4 player from that team still play today. This Argentinian team has won everything for 2 consecutive years, 2 international cups and 36 undefeated games (Before Saudi Arabia broke it).
Argentina with Messi is so dangerous. We took more of a defensive stance against Brazil, but can we do this against Argentina? Or will we get punished by Messi for that? What do you guys think, how should we play this one?
You’re 100% right. We haven’t scored first in a WC match since Iceland.
We haven’t scored first in a WC knockout round match since 98.
Croatia scored first in all 4 playoff games in 1998. In the 6 games in 2018 and 2022, the opponent has scored first. Even in the only game they lost (only due to FIFA/referee taking over) they tied it after giving up the first goal (on another corrupt call that led to the goal).
To Ante Kvartuc,
Any chance you may get an, interview with Romeo again ? Do you think Croatian soccer program has turned a page now ? What can the savez do to continue our success and keep Croatian soccer competitive and a force to be reckoned with ? thank you
2 more wins and now we are left with mostly easy teams. I can’t see Argentina,Portugal/Morrocco England or France being a threat whoever we play we will win the next 2 games.
You don’t see France or England as a threat????
Oh .. and .. they have us as underdogs AGAIN!
Hvala Lipa !!
Our depth is paying dividends.
Dudes coming off the bench making plays, taking PK’s!!
I love that the world will be watching us.
Vlašić on the RW to start and Budimir up top.
Second half subs early and often.
Let’s take care of business in the first half.
We clearly have the fire power.
We BEAT Brazil.
No fluke.
That was a vintage Brazil.
Livakovic is a shot stopping World Cup winning goalie?!
Uvijek Vjerni
If we win the cup and livakovic gets golden gloves
This site will meltdown
We need to see more of orsic
That penalty was so stone cold clinical
All our pks are even better then in Russia or I’m just running off recent memory right now
All I know is Dinamo going to cash huge off liva now if they decide to sell him
And course making huge residual off Gvardiol
We need a new maksimir ASAP and upgrade to Poljud
Still a travesty euro cup played in all these places last year and not in our beautiful land
orsic and majer are great players and fantastic substitutes but unfortunately perisic modric brozovic and kovacic have their spot cemented. They def need to be super subs going forward
also the name is just in honour of the lovren is shit guy. Lovren was class today. massive tackle on neymar
Lovren is playing like the best cb in the world and gvardi is a step above!!!
any member of a team who talks shit ->
will get his team out of the world cup _
the team who supports LGBT -> out {Germany, Wales}
the team who over celebrate -> out {Saudi Arabia}
Louis Van Gal and his team -> out {Netherland}
so hope our players don’t talk shit_o)}
I think the biggest hurdle Imo Brasil is out of the way, we’re going to win this tournament.
We cleaned 🇦🇷 4 years ago. Shouldn’t be much different. Have to see how the other bracket pans out, but we’ll be fine. I’m not afraid anymore. Confident that we will and should win every game. Bog!
One thing I like about this WC run is no one can say we have an easy path.
Yes I deed. That logic is rescinded here. There is no way it’s an easy path now.
Messi said their gonna F Croatia- let’s party all night
Ante: Looking forward to your usual video Brazil post game analysis and party @ St Anthony’s, if it went down !
https://www.facebook.com/stories/105522758240385/UzpfSVNDOjE4NTAwOTUzMDUzNjkxNDc=/?view_single=1&source=shared_permalink&mibextid=W9rl1R
Zivili!
It’s on our FB. Didn’t post it here. Too busy being in absolute bliss after the game. Let me know if you need access.