​Croatia reached the semi-finals of the second consecutive FIFA World Cup, and Luka Modric (the “brain” of the formation) knows what his country needs to do to overcome Argentina.

Luka ModrichPhoto: Niviere David/ABACAPRESS.COM / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

>> World Cup 2022: Argentina’s problems before the semi-final with Croatia

On Tuesday, from 21:00, Croatia and Argentina will fight for a place in the World Cup finals in Qatar. The match will be broadcast on LiveBlog on HotNews.ro and live on TVR 1.

Croatia need the match of a lifetime to overcome Argentina, believes Luka Modric

Veteran of Real Madrid and the Croatian national team Luka Modric (37) talked about the match with Lionel Messi and company.

The midfielder knows what his country’s national team must do to reach the 2022 World Cup finals: play the game of their lives.

“I want to play, but not against one player. Of course, Messi is a great player, we will have big problems to stop him, but we are ready and will do our best.

Argentina is a great team. We will try to play the best match of this tournament, the best match of our life. I hope this will be enough to reach the finals.

We saw the maturity of our national team, with young players bringing new quality and energy. It’s incredible what our team has achieved.

I thought we would do something. It is a great thing that after four years we are in the semi-finals again. I demonstrated great mental strength” – Luka Modrichfor RTVE.

“It’s normal for everyone to look at big countries. Because we are small, no one counted on us. But we did not think that the other favorites were in the shadows.

We gave our best, we fought and this is our strength. Before leaving for the World Cup, I spoke a lot in the Real Madrid dressing room and told them: watch out for Croatia!” added the midfielder, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2021.

Know:

  • Luka Modric will become only the fourth player aged 37 or over to start six matches at the World Cup.
  • Others: Brazilian Nilton Santos (CM 1962), Italian Dino Zoff (CM 1982) and English Peter Shilton (CM 1990), according to Agerpres.

The semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

  • Tuesday, December 13

Argentina – Croatia (Lusail Stadium – Al Daayen, 21:00)

  • Wednesday, December 14

Morocco – France (Al Beit Stadium – Al Khor, 21:00).

  • Small final: December 17 / 17:00 / Khalifa International Stadium
  • Grand Finale: December 18 / 17:00 / Lusail Stadium.