After Neymar, Croatia aims to end Messi’s World Cup dream
AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — Croatia has already ended Neymar’s World Cup dream. Now he hopes to do the same with Lionel Messi.
2018 runners-up Croatia are Argentina’s next hurdle to overcome in the semi-finals on Tuesday as Messi aims to win the only major trophy that has eluded him.
But Croatia, who lost to France in the final in Russia, have their own mission to go one step further this time.
“I think we shouldn’t be afraid of anyone. We should look at ourselves to play our best game,” defender Josip Juranovic said on Sunday. “I would say that the secret of our success is our union, our unity. The fact that we act and play as a family”.
Neymar was left in tears after Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 extra-time draw in their quarter-final match.
Messi has been in inspired form during Argentina’s run to the semi-finals, scoring four goals in five games. His assist for Nahuel Molina against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals was a moment of magic for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
It looks like Messi has taken it upon himself to lead his country to their third World Cup triumph and first since 1986.
Argentina last reached the final in 2014, losing 1-0 to Germany at Brazil’s Maracana Stadium. It was as close as Messi has come to lifting football’s biggest trophy and he is just one game away from having another chance.
For now, Croatia seem calm ahead of the match at the Lusail Stadium.
“We don’t have a specific plan, at least not yet to stop Lionel Messi,” Croatia forward Bruno Petkovic said. “Usually we don’t focus on stopping one player but the whole team.
“The way we deal with it is that we have to stop them as a team. Not with man-marking or some kind of tactic like that. Argentina is not just Messi.”
One of Croatia’s main strengths is a midfield led by Real Madrid star Luka Modric.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić described him as the best midfield in the world after beating Brazil, adding that he “crippled” Neymar and Brazil.
“I think Mateo (Kovacic), Luka (Modric) and Marcelo (Brozovic) are the best Croatian midfield in history,” added Juranovic. “When you pass the ball to them it’s safer than having your money in the bank. Everything is very easy. when you play with them.”
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James Robson is a https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup i https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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