Croatia predicted lineup for World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina

The 2018 finalists will face the 2014 finalists in the semi-final of the World Cup 2022 on Tuesday night

When Marquinhos squandered the penalty, it felt very strange that a team overflowing with world-class players, playing in major European leagues was no longer in the World Cup. Croatia accomplished something impossible to comprehend when they knocked off the tournament's favourites; football is simply phenomenal, and Croatia now confronts another South American behemoth on Tuesday.

The last time they met Argentina, Modric, and co. rallied to a 3-0 triumph in a group stage match and progressed to the FIFA World Cup 2018 final. But they are now meeting in the World Cup 2022 semi-finals, having earned their place. Coach Dalic will select a team that is equipped to face an assertive Argentina; we forecast their starting eleven below.

Croatia's predicted lineup against Argentina (4-3-3).

GK: Dominik Livakovic

He has been a stalwart between the posts, making numerous key saves. In the last two games, Livakovic has saved a World Cup penalty shootout record-equaling number of spot-kicks. And there's no way he won't start after making more saves against Brazil than Alisson had during the entire tournament. And if the game goes to penalties again, Livakovic will be required to work his wizardry once more.

RB: Josip Juranovic

The Celtic fullback should be pleased with his effort, as he kept Vinicius Junior dormant for a few moments and linked nicely with his teammates. Josip Juranvoic's speed and characteristics aid him in these situations, and he is always assured of closing down on attackers with clean tackles and a ball-winning attitude.

CB: Dejan Lovren

Lovern is a combative defender who excelled against Brazil, keeping Richarlison and Neymar out of danger and winning numerous duels. Along with Gvardiol, the former Liverpool player is a fantastic leader and uncompromising at the back. They are the core of Croatia's defence, and it took Brazil 105 minutes to break Croatia, demonstrating how well arranged they were at the back.

CB: Josko Gvardiol

Gvardiol has outperformed his expectations at the age of 20, and his frightening stature is enough to make opponents dread him. According to rumours, multiple clubs are already willing to spend big money on him because of his World Cup success. He will be the most vital ingredient against an attacking-minded Argentina since he is physically strong and his game awareness allows him to thrive higher than opponents.

LB: Borna Sosa

Sosa's role was to assist Modric in building from the back while allowing Kovacic to overload from the left. He performed admirably against Brazil, assisting Modric in carrying the ball forward and passing the ball. Sosa may not be credited for his performance, but he was composed against a powerful Brazil, remained calm, and was able to reduce the press. He will be tasked with keeping Di Maria quiet, since Argentina will primarily attack from the center, and Di Maria typically gets the ball from midfield and transitions it into the attack.

CM: Luka Modric

There are no words to describe Modric's performance; he was all over the field and ran the whole Croatian midfield. Modric, at 37, was going everywhere and didn't stop until his squad found a way to upset Brazil. Modric, as Johan Cruyff once stated, is a player of immense quality who has matured into a controlled yet powerful midfielder.

CM: Marcelo Brozovic

When Modric and Kovacic transferred the ball forward, Brozovic remained in the backfield, ready to counter any Brazilian onslaught. He was tasked with reducing Neymar's danger and blocking any defense-breaking passes, and he performed admirably. Brozovic will most likely tackle Messi or MacAllister and eliminate their impact since they're the ones who make the difference.

CM: Mateo Kovacic

Aside from Modric, Kovacic ensured that Croatia did not lose the ball easily by recovering possession and assisting in the build-up. His ball control is great, and against high-pressing teams like Argentina, he can neutralize their aggression by generating space and assisting Modric in getting ahead and making incisive passes.

RW: Andrej Kramaric

The all-time leading striker for Hoffenheim couldn't score, but he was a menace and frequently troubled the Brazilian defenders. Brazil's defence lacks the vigor that Argentina's defence boasts, and it remains to be seen how Kramaric will do against a tenacious defence that plays with emotion and puts its body on the line to prevent goals from being conceded. However, Kramaric will most likely contribute to the team's defence while attempting to capitalize on Argentina on the counter-attack.

ST: Bruno Petkovic

Petkovic must score goals and ensure that any opportunity within Argentina's box does not go squandered, as the South Americans are quite violent when the ball is not in their possession inside their own area. However, he will never forget the quarter-final match in which his equalizer necessitated extra time and Croatia won on penalties. His close control and technical capabilities will be on display once more.

LW: Ivan Perisic

Croatia's second-leading scorer will attempt to challenge Argentina from the left wing and barrage crosses into the area. With Montiel sidelined for Croatia's match, Perisic will face Molina in a titanic clash. Although Perisic was overrun by Militao, Molina doesn't have much strength to subdue Perisic's brilliance, and the Tottenham star will be trying to register his second goal of the tournament.