Fates of Modric and Messi show what makes World Cup so beautiful also makes it brutal
Chris Jones is in Qatar covering the men's World Cup for CBC Sports.
Luka Modric Sport News
Tagliafico and Paredes in for Argentina against unchanged Croatia
LUSAIL, Qatar :Argentina made two changes in the starting eleven that won on penalties against the Netherlands for Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against Croatia, who named an unchanged line-up.
Modric seeks to derail Messi's bid for World Cup glory
Lionel Messi and Luka Modric face off in a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia on Tuesday, desperate to seize their final chance to win football's ultimate prize.
Argentina and Messi in World Cup showdown with Modric’s Croatia
DOHA: Argentina and Lionel Messi face Croatia on Tuesday in a World Cup semifinal that pits South American flair against the guile of Luka Modric and a remarkable fighting spirit. In the second semifinal on Wednesday, reigning champions France take on giant-killing Morocco, the first African team ever to reach the last four of a World Cup. But first all eyes will be on the cavernous Lusail Stadium, where Messi, now 35, will attempt to guide Argentina into the final for the second time in eight years against the beaten finalists in 2018. Messi, who suffered defeat to Germany in the 2014 final, is desperate to crown an extraordinary career by finally winning the World Cup and emulating another Argentinian legend, the late Diego Maradona. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was a pivotal figure in Friday’s stormy quarter-final win over the Netherlands, when a record 18 yellow cards were shown and players from both sides were involved in a melee as the referee fought to regain control. The match ended with Argentina players appearing to taunt their distraught Dutch opponents before sprinting away to celebrate after a penalty shoot-out win. Even the normally mild-mannered Messi was caught up in the bad blood, shouting abuse at Dutch players while he was being interviewed after the game. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his players’ conduct in an eve-of-game news conference on Monday, insisting they had nothing to apologize for. “The game the other day was played in the right way by both teams. That is football,” said the 44-year-old Argentina coach. “I don’t buy this idea that we don’t know how to win. The game was played in the right way.”
Vengeance seeking Argentina battle Croatia as semifinals begin
Croatia’s talisman, Luka Modric (right), is in for a big battle with Argentina’s icon, Lionel Messi in today’s semifinals.
Preview: Argentinian fire meets Croatia's cool resolve
The 22nd FIFA World Cup is approaching its end. By Sunday evening, we will have our champions, but there'll surely be a few more twists and turns yet in a tournament that's had more drama than an Eastenders omnibus.
Croatia v Argentina: Keys to the World Cup semi-final
Croatia and Argentina face each other on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Modric and Croatia stand between Messi and World Cup final
DOHA: Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday's (Dec 13) semi-final in Doha.