The World Cup semi-final contest between Argentina and Croatia guarantees to be an thrilling affair and one which options numerous thrilling battles.
Veteran Lionel Messi will as soon as once more look to make his mark as the best participant on earth however shall be challenged by younger star Josko Gvardiol within the coronary heart of Croatia’s defence.
Right here, Sportsmail’s Henry Clark appears to be like at a few of the key battles that might make the distinction in reaching the ultimate or not.
Lionel Messi shall be hoping to make his mark in Argentina’s semi-final conflict with Croatia
MESSI VS GVARDIOL
Josko Gvardiol’s performances have been simply as eye-catching because the protecting face masks he has been sporting.
However now the 20-year-old faces a special beast altogether in Lionel Messi.
The Argentine could not dictate video games as he used to, however his elegant, no-look help towards Holland reveals there’s nonetheless magic in these boots.
Josko Gvardiol may very well be the important thing for Croatia of their conflict with Argentina on Tuesday
DE PAUL VS MODRIC
Argentina’s midfield normal Rodrigo De Paul has coated extra floor than any of his team-mates and has screened his again 4 brilliantly.
He faces the duty of nullifying Luka Modric, who stays an influential participant for Croatia, even at 37.
If Argentina give Modric time and house to play, he’ll harm them.
Luka Modric has performed a starring position for Croatia within the World Cup equally to 2018
MOLINA VS PERISIC
Wing-back Nahuel Molina was an unlikely goalscorer in Argentina’s quarter-final towards the Netherlands and he and Nicolas Tagliafico on the opposite flank will attempt to get ahead.
Molina must be on his guard defensively, too, as he’s charged with nullifying Ivan Perisic, Croatia’s all-time main scorer at main tournaments.
Ivan Perisic (pictured) can have an attention-grabbing battle with Nahuel Molina on Tuesday night time
