The FIFA World Cup 2022 is almost coming to a close. The tournament has given us many moments to cherish and live to the fullest. With that being said, one of the semi-finals of the tournament has already been fixed. It will be between Argentina, the runners-up from 2014, and Croatia, the runners-up from 2018. The teams have experienced leaders in the form of Lionel Messi and Luka Modric, respectively. Here is an in-depth look:
FIFA World Cup 2022: Argentina Beat Netherlands to Qualify for Semi-Finals.
Argentina has beaten the Netherlands and has successfully qualified for the semi-finals. The game ended in a draw and so did the extra time. Further, Emi Martinez saved 2 penalties for Argentina and hence the men in blue managed to qualify for the semis. The scoring started with Argentina scoring in the 35th minute when Molina struck the ball in the back of the net. Lionel Messi then won a penalty and managed to convert that in.
But it was Weghorst who got the Dutch back in business. He struck twice in the second half. It was once in the 83rd minute and once via a very smart free-kick in the dying minutes of the game.
The extra time was dominated by the Latin American team. Argentina unleashed its full force by calling on Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez. That duo harassed the defense. But the Dutch somehow managed to get through by keeping the ball away from the back of the net. A special mention for the Dutch goalkeeper is essential. The game ended 2-2 in a draw and 4-3 in penalties in favor of Argentina.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Croatia Beat favorites Brazil to Qualify for Semi-Finals:
The FIFA World Cup 2022 has got its biggest shocker. Brazil, the favorites to win the World Cup has been knocked out. It is the dark horse Croatia that knocked out this Latin American team. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and so did the added time. The game went in penalties and the Brazilians succumbed to the pressure. The Croatian goalkeeper saved 2 penalties in a row and the pressure was on the Brazilians. Dominik Livakovic was the hero of the Croatians. He was the unbeatable wall. The penalties ended with Marquinhos hitting the post and the Croatians celebrating.
Croatia VS Argentina Semi-Finals:
Croatia is the dark horse this time around as well. The team is just filled with strong characters. It is not a “one-man” reliant team. But when the time comes, each of the players shows character. Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric, and Mateo Kovacic have to be given a special mention. Dejan Lovren is also having a great tournament.
For the Argentines, it is Lautaro Martinez, Acuna, and Julian Alvarez who are having a good time on the pitch. And the moments of magic are produced by their poster boy, Lionel Messi. It will be great to see this conquest unfold.
To know more go to FIFA World Cup 2022: Top Goal Scorers List. Best Goal Scorers and Most Assists.
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To know more go to the official website of the FIFA World Cup 2022.