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The first semi-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off with a mouthwatering clash between Argentina and Croatia. Interestingly, these sides are the runners-up of the last two editions of this competition. We are just one hour from kick-off, and fans around the world are excited for this fixture. That said, we would like to take a look at both teams starting lineups for tonight.
Team News
Argentina
Unfortunately, Argentina will have to do without Marcos Acuña tonight. The Sevilla left back picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in Los Albicelestes’ quarterfinal win against the Netherlands. Likewise, Lionel Scaloni will not be able to call upon the services of Gonzalo Montiel, who is also suspended after accumulating multiple yellow cards. Barring these two, Argentina have no other absentees heading into this match.
Croatia
On the other hand, Zlatko Dalic will be pleased to have a healthy group of players to choose from; as Croatia have no injury concerns going into this match. However, Zlatko Dalic will require his forwards to be more efficient in front of goal, as Croatia have mostly struggled to find the back of the net.
Confirmed Lineups
Both teams have announced their starting lineups for this match. Lionel Scaloni has made a couple of changes from the squad that defeated the Netherlands a couple of days ago. Nicolas Tagliafico and Leandro Paredes will replace Marcos Acuña and Lisandro Martínez in the starting lineup. On the other hand, Zlatko Dalic’s starting lineup remains unchanged from Croatia’s victory over Brazil.
Argentina
Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, de Paul, Fernández, Paredes, Mac Allister, Messi, Álvarez.
The man to keep an eye out for in this match is Lionel Messi. The PSG star has been pivotal to Argentina’s World Cup campaign; he has scored four goals so far, with two assists. Indeed, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner should cause a lot of trouble for the opposition backline. Interestingly, Messi has already reached his highest goal tally in this tournament. He scored four goals in 2014, finishing third on the top scorers list.
Another man to look out for is Julian Alvarez, who has netted two goals for Los Albicelestes in this tournament.
Croatia
Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic.
Zlatko Dalic will have to rely upon Andrej Kramaric to provide the goals today. The Hoffenheim man has been Croatia’s top scorer in this competition, with two goals so far.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Iván Perisic is also worth mentioning, as he has a goal and assist to his name.
And of course, let’s not forget Luka Modric, who has been one of the pillars of Croatia’s midfield. The former Ballon d’Or winner will be called upon to lead his side to victory.
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