Darius1998 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 (edited) Preview The stage is set as Argentina take on Croatia tonight in our first semi-final. Argentina come into this after winning on penalties against the Netherlands having previously thrown away a 2-0 lead. That game also featured 8 yellow cards for the South Americans and resulted in the suspension of fullbacks Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña. Croatia come into this having prevailed on penalties in both of their knockout round ties, knocking out Japan and Brazil in the process. It is almost certainly the last World Cup for two of the best players of their generation in the form of Lionel Messi and Luka Modric. Semi-final history Argentina have an impeccable record at this stage of a World Cup and have 4 wins from 4 appearances (1930, 1986, 1990 and 2014). (*1978 had a second group phase) Croatia are in the semis for 3rd time in 6 World Cup appearances since regaining independence from Yugoslavia. They lost at this stage in 1998 but won in Russia last time out. Past meetings They have faced each other 5 times, with both teams winning twice each and their first ever game in 1994 ending in a draw. They have played each other twice at a World Cup - Argentina won 1-0 in 1998 while Croatia smashed their opponents 3-0 in 2018. Most recent semi-finals Edited December 13, 2022 by Darius1998 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darius1998 Posted December 13, 2022 Author Share Posted December 13, 2022 (edited) The Argentine FA finally have theirs up: Edited December 13, 2022 by Darius1998 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Expecting a close contest - not a World Cup classic, but also not the All Attack vs All Defence game that some people on here might be predicting. Think a moment of Argentine brilliance (probably from Messi) wins it late on, leaving Leo one game away from the biggest prize of them all. And thanks for the timely reminder that Acuna is suspended. I played my fantasy wildcard and he was one of the players I brought into my team. Anyway, he's gone now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Not only Acuna, but also Montiel. Scaloni likes to sub his full-backs, so that might be an issue. From Croatia's perspective, it's going to be easier to play against Argentina. They also don't have a single really quick player like Brazilians did, so doubling the flanks and being scared of quick counter won't be as big of a threat. They went with 4 actual midfielders to try and keep possession, but it's still a side that's not impressive, except for obviously Messi. They were questionable at the back whenever they were threatened, Croatia needs to be more proactive today. While Argentina doesn't have as much quality as Brazil, Messi is obviously on a mission and he can unlock the defense better than anyone else, so being proactive is way more important than it was against Brazil. Orsato has the whistle, so I fully expect a robbery and another refereeing performance which favors Messi, much like in previous matches. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob1981 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 And the day is finally here, stat-lovers. Messi equals the record for most WC games that has stood since 1998. 25 - Lothar Matthaus, Lionel Messi 24 - Miroslav Klose 23 - Paolo Maldini 22 - Cristiano Ronaldo 21 - Diego Maradona, Uwe Seeler, Wladyslaw Zmuda 20 - Cafu, Philipp Lahm, Grzegorz Lato, Javier Mascherano, Bastian Schweinsteiger But surely Messi gets to 26 now, barring a red card or an injury tonight... whether it's the final or the 3PP. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 7 minutes ago, GunmaN1905 said: Not only Acuna, but also Montiel. Scaloni likes to sub his full-backs, so that might be an issue. From Croatia's perspective, it's going to be easier to play against Argentina. They also don't have a single really quick player like Brazilians did, so doubling the flanks and being scared of quick counter won't be as big of a threat. They went with 4 actual midfielders to try and keep possession, but it's still a side that's not impressive, except for obviously Messi. They were questionable at the back whenever they were threatened, Croatia needs to be more proactive today. While Argentina doesn't have as much quality as Brazil, Messi is obviously on a mission and he can unlock the defense better than anyone else, so being proactive is way more important than it was against Brazil. Orsato has the whistle, so I fully expect a robbery and another refereeing performance which favors Messi, much like in previous matches. Montiel and Acuña are both suspended. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astafjevs Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Posting the Croatia lineup but not the Argentina lineup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukey Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 No idea what happens here. Croatia are gonna fight like hell as always, but are we gonna get some Messi magic again? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darius1998 Posted December 13, 2022 Author Share Posted December 13, 2022 Just now, Astafjevs said: Posting the Croatia lineup but not the Argentina lineup Because the official one is too slow. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 8 minutes ago, EnterUsernameHere said: Montiel and Acuña are both suspended. Did I make a mistake? Fuller said Acuna is suspended and I said not only him, but also Montiel. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentwars Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 I've got a feeling Croatia will do it but I hope I'm wrong Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 (edited) 5 minutes ago, GunmaN1905 said: Did I make a mistake? Fuller said Acuna is suspended and I said not only him, but also Montiel. Darius literally mentioned Acuna's suspension (and Montiel's) in the OP. I only mentioned Acuna because he was in my fantasy team before Darius brought it up. Montiel wasn't in my team. Edited December 13, 2022 by CFuller 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunkerossian Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Will be scoreless until some subs are made. I'm predicting another shootout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob1981 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Always a special night when you realise it's the last time you have to listen to a Matterface commentary. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallen Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 I reckon Croatia win this one quite easily. There will be a lot of space for their midfield. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 I’m supporting whichever team makes the most effort to actually win the game, I don’t care who it is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunkerossian Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 1 minute ago, Smallen said: I reckon Croatia win this one quite easily. There will be a lot of space for their midfield. The opposite. The midfield will struggle, but hoofball out to Perišić might work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Found a place selling beers for £8.90 so I can actually afford this one to go to penalties but I’d rather it didn’t , would prefer both teams tried to win it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentwars Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 6 minutes ago, Bunkerossian said: Will be scoreless until some subs are made. I'm predicting another shootout. Imagine if Croatia win the tournament without winning a game in the knockout stages 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 21 minutes ago, GunmaN1905 said: Did I make a mistake? Fuller said Acuna is suspended and I said not only him, but also Montiel. Ah hadn't read the post you were replying to, my bad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukey Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Argentina 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren1983 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 All Argentina aren't we? Messi wins the world cup and we can't really have Gunman lording it for the next 4 years can we? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pearcey_90 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Come on Argentina. Kill it off early. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Semi final and ITV still analyse England. I'm not surprised, but is this actually what people tune into a Semi final build up to see? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezer Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 6 minutes ago, silentwars said: Imagine if Croatia win the tournament without winning a game in the knockout stages Only won a single group game too. Got to the final last time with only 1 knockout round win too. Turgid Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 6 minutes ago, darren1983 said: Gunman lording it for the next 4 years can we? Well, I haven't said anything for the past 4 years after eliminating England in the semi-final. The best comment about Argentina's team would be how everyone wants Messi to win the trophy he deserves more than anyone, but then you look at the bunch of c*nts playing with him and the opinion suddenly changes. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukey Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 7 minutes ago, EnterUsernameHere said: Semi final and ITV still analyse England. I'm not surprised, but is this actually what people tune into a Semi final build up to see? And this is why I don't watch the build up, especially on ITV Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Just now, Pukey said: And this is why I don't watch the build up, especially on ITV I usually don't either anymore. Thought they might have been different for a semi final though ffs Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren1983 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 2 minutes ago, GunmaN1905 said: Well, I haven't said anything for the past 4 years after eliminating England in the semi-final. The best comment about Argentina's team would be how everyone wants Messi to win the trophy he deserves more than anyone, but then you look at the bunch of c*nts playing with him and the opinion suddenly changes. I don't really support England so that doesn't bother me, I just don't like to see people happy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 3 minutes ago, GunmaN1905 said: Well, I haven't said anything for the past 4 years after eliminating England in the semi-final. The best comment about Argentina's team would be how everyone wants Messi to win the trophy he deserves more than anyone, but then you look at the bunch of c*nts playing with him and the opinion suddenly changes. This. Mon' Croatia. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunmaN1905 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Just now, darren1983 said: I don't really support England so that doesn't bother me, I just don't like to see people happy I think I've been around here long enough for everyone to realize I'm never happy. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukey Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 1 minute ago, EnterUsernameHere said: I usually don't either anymore. Thought they might have been different for a semi final though ffs Learn your lesson man! Always watch as little of ITV's coverage as humanly possible. Suffering through Matterface is more than enough. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 In some alternate universe, this is going to be a Brazil vs Argentina semis. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebs Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 (edited) Would be happy with either team winning tonight. Argies for Messi obviously and Croatia as they are damn likeable and Modric is one of my favourite ever players. Just hope we get a good match. Fwiw, I don't mind the England stuff in the build up. I think most matches after we've gone out have always had a bit in the build up going over it and the World Cup isn't exactly for football purists who want tactical previews of players most have never heard about. It's what I'd expect and fair play to it for those who want to see stuff like that. Edited December 13, 2022 by Rebs Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD nawrat Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 I don't even buy the "Messi deserves one" rhetoric. He's undoubtedly one of the GOATs, the GOAT imo, but that doesn't mean he deserves anything. It would be good for him to win it, but football will be just fine if he bottles another one. Whether he wins it or not, people will continue to debate the GOAT until the end of time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Just now, Rebs said: Would be happy with either team winning tonight. Argies for Messi obviously and Croatia as they are damn likeable and Modruc is one of my favourite ever players. Just hope we get a good match. Feiw, I don't mind the England stuff in the build up. I think most matches after we've gone out have always had a bit in the build up going over it and the World Cup isn't exactly for football purists who want tactical previews of players most have never heard about. It's what I'd expect and fair play to it for those who want to see stuff like that. I reckon the overlap between people who are interested enough to watch the build up but still want to see England discussed now is very, very small. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebs Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Just now, EnterUsernameHere said: I reckon the overlap between people who are interested enough to watch the build up but still want to see England discussed now is very, very small. Yeah maybe, but it's mainstream and free football to watch for the masses. All the kids at school are still talking about England, so it's just to cater to the general casual watcher. The World Cup is probably the norm for that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren1983 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 5 minutes ago, Pukey said: Learn your lesson man! Always watch as little of ITV's coverage as humanly possible. Suffering through Matterface is more than enough. This entire World cup I've tuned in about 5 minutes before kick off and watch youtube at HT so miss all the people talking about the game or in most cases talking about England 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob1981 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Namechecking Peter Shilton Matterface really is dreadful Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukey Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 2 minutes ago, darren1983 said: This entire World cup I've tuned in about 5 minutes before kick off and watch youtube at HT so miss all the people talking about the game or in most cases talking about England Only bit I watched was after Japan vs Spain at it was so mesmerisingly terrible Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 29 minutes ago, Weezer said: I’m supporting whichever team makes the most effort to actually win the game, I don’t care who it is. Obvs gonna be Argentina as they have more talent, but it doesn't mean Croatia aren't making the effort to win the tie. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XuluBak Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Think Messi will have to be the difference maker to get another chance for the trophy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthCoastRed Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 13 minutes ago, darren1983 said: I don't really support England so that doesn't bother me, I just don't like to see people happy 11 minutes ago, GunmaN1905 said: I think I've been around here long enough for everyone to realize I'm never happy. Nothing wrong with either of these stances tbh Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFuller Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Matterface, Dixon AND McCoist? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTHerringbone Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Turgid 0-0. Croatia win on penalties and Messi misses his. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 (edited) I can't lose tonight, because I am totally split been wanting to see Messi win the WC and wanting to see the Argentinian team cry bitter tears because of the way they misbehaved after they lucked out against Oranje. They are one of the last to have the right to complain about the 'anything goes to win' mentality and they would even probably agree with that. But to taunt the opponent after winning is one of the all time lows I have ever seen. And Messi complaining about the ref who spared him at least 2 more yellow cards, you couldn't make it up. I can only think one thing: the Dutch really, really got under their skin. Not a bad feat for a European team with the reputation of 'nice to look at, but will never win anything because of it'. Oh, and when Croatia lose, Vida loses, so that's not a bad thing either I really can't decide. Edited December 13, 2022 by DJ 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pukey Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Just now, CFuller said: Matterface, Dixon AND McCoist? McCoist will at least add some positivity instead of Dixon's dreary awfulness Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthCoastRed Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 36 minutes ago, Rob1981 said: Always a special night when you realise it's the last time you have to listen to a Matterface commentary. Feels like there should be beer and cake 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebs Posted December 13, 2022 Share Posted December 13, 2022 Yeah, McCoist is good, other 2 are tragic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darius1998 Posted December 13, 2022 Author Share Posted December 13, 2022 'Land of Diego and Lionel' getting an early runout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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