Croatia at FIFA World Cup 2022: Team analysis, run-up to semifinal, chances vs Argentina

Croatia’s entry into the ultimate of the 2018 World Cup was thought-about by many to be a miraculous one, contemplating how unheralded the aspect was coming into the event in Russia.

Aided by nerves of metal, with two wins in penalty shootouts and one in additional time, and an advantageous draw, the Croatians marched into the finale, solely to be crushed by a hyper-powered France.

With a couple of of its stalwarts retiring and its talisman, Luka Modric edging in direction of his twilight years, a lot hope wasn’t positioned on Croatia this day trip, notably after it was positioned within the treacherous Group F, together with Belgium, Canada and Morocco.

But the Croatian aspect has gone on to show its 2018 efficiency was no flash within the pan because it stands on the cusp of a second successive ultimate.

Croatia wasn’t flamboyant within the group stage, the place it conceded attracts in opposition to fellow semifinalist Morocco and Belgium, with the latter stalemate the top product of a sequence of fortuitous goal-mouth fumbling by Romelu Lukaku. The solely time it really established itself in a sport was in opposition to Canada, when it received 4-1.

After progressing because the runner-up from the group, Croatia went on to oust Japan and Brazil in penalty shootouts.

The win in opposition to Brazil, earned after conceding a Neymar objective 10 minutes away from the top, offers additional validation of the European aspect’s credibility as a staff that refuses to just accept defeat.

Now it is going to be up in opposition to Argentina, one other aspect hell-bent on offering its mercurial captain an unforgettable farewell, whom it has crushed, fairly convincingly within the final World Cup.

Like-for-like replacements

Croatia’s success in Qatar has been right down to how effectively it has succeeded in changing a bit of its core from 2018.

In Dominik Livakovic, coach Zlatko Dalić has discovered the right alternative for 2018 goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

In truth, Livakovic has seemed extra menacing, notably throughout penalty shootouts, and has proved to be the rock upon which the supervisor has arrange this resolute Croatian aspect.

At the again, 20-year-old, Josko Gvardiol has been the revelation of the event and has stepped up for Domagoj Vida on the coronary heart of the defence. The masked defender is rising excessive within the purchasing record of many a European heavyweight.

Andrej Kramaric has stuffed in effectively for the now-retired Mario Mandzukic up entrance. Ivan Perisic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic and Bruno Petkovic have all contributed to maintain the aspect ticking up entrance.

Ivan Rakitic, who was a significant affect for Croatia in 2018, has been ably changed by Mateo Kovacic. With Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic persevering with the place they left off in Russia, midfield continues to be Croatia’s strongest swimsuit.

Spotless from spotkicks

In 2018, two of Croatia’s three knockout wins had been earned by way of nerve-wracking penalty shootouts. It has added two extra to the record, changing into solely the second staff after Germany to win 4 consecutive shootouts.

Against Japan within the spherical of 16, Livakovic saved three spot-kicks, changing into solely the third ‘keeper to do so. The Croatian penalty takers, except for Marko Livaja, pumped in the penalties in its win.

The Croatian steel was further at display against Brazil in the quarterfinal, when Livakovic denied Rodrygo from the first penalty, to shift the pressure on to the South Americans, under which they wilted.

Croatia’s kick takers had been inch-perfect with their efforts because it cliched its fourth win from the tiebreaker. In the method, Luka Modric turned the primary participant to attain thrice in FIFA World Cup shootouts.

Chances in opposition to Argentina

Croatia’s energy has been in its potential to strangle opponents from the midfield by way of its triumvirate of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic, who all rank within the prime 10 for tackles tried within the event.

The trio shall be put by way of their sternest take a look at but when it comes face-to-face with Argentina’s never-ending artistic reservoir – Lionel Messi.

Upfront, Croatia’s potentialities can be dependant on how effectively it will probably exploit Argentina’s weak spot in coping with excessive balls, which was at show in opposition to Netherlands.

Croatia’s tried and examined technique of dragging the sport into penalty shootouts won’t be probably the most suited in opposition to Argentina, which possess Emiliano Martinez, an unflappable goalkeeper who thrives in intimidating groups and gamers throughout tiebreakers.