Argentina predicted lineup for World Cup semi-final against Croatia

The semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 are set to be underway

After winning a tough game against the Netherlands, Lionel Messi lead Argentina is set to face Croatia in FIFA World Cup 2022 semifinal in Qatar. Both the teams had a challenging competition in Group round games. Argentina faced a shocking defeat against Saudi Arabia while Croatia played a few tough games too. After the initial setbacks both these teams have played brilliantly to qualify for the Top 4.

Last editions Finalists Croatia with their defence has been brilliant in the Knockout rounds. The Argentinian attack led by Lionel Messi will pose a real challenge to the Croatian defensive line. In the game against the Netherlands and Argentina, a total of 17 yellow cards were given. Due to that Argentinian manager, Lionel Scaloni will have plenty of decisions to make in the Argentinian lineup.

Kick-off time: 12:30 AM IST, 8:00 PM CET

Argentina form (FIFA World Cup 2022): W-W-W-W-L

Croatia form (FIFA World Cup 2022): W-W-D-W-D

Need to strike Right balance against Croatia

Since the loss against Saudi Arabia, the Argentinian team has been very cautious with their approach in the field. Players like Jullian Alvarez, and Fernandez have been brilliant in the midfield with some extra efforts from Lionel Messi. This will definitely challenge the Croatian defence line. Messi's performance with the Argentinean frontline has made their team still dream about the winning sendoff to one of the football’s great.

Argentinean defence has been brilliant too. Nicolas Otamendi, Nahuel Molina, and Cristian Romero stopped Poland and Mexico from scoring a goal. Peaking Croatia had beaten Brazil and their confidence will be skyrocketing in the semi-final, yet they need to be cautious about their game against Argentina. With a number of yellow cards given, Argentinean manager Lionel Scaloni may be forced to bring in some changes too.

In defence Marcos Acuna, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Cristian Romero were shown yellow cards. Scaloni might bring in a 4-3-3 formation against Croatia as the situation will also demand a balanced attack as well as playmaking. Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Di Maria & Enzo Fernandez will be very crucial for Argentinian playmaking complementing Captain Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez in the attack.

Predicted Lineup of Argentina against Croatia

Emiliano Martinez (GK)

Had a great outing against the Netherlands in a Penalty shootout with two saves. Martinez will be crucial for Argentina in the game against Croatia in the semi-final.

Cristian Romero

In FIFA World Cup 2022 Cristiano Romero has been crucial for Argentina as he helped his team win the ball possession back a number of times.

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez as a Centre Back will also be helpful for Argentina. The Croats were brilliant with their playmaking against Brazil, and Martinez's role as Centre back may come in handy for Argentina.

Nicolas Otamendi

Otamendi’s experience is coming in use for Argentina when they needed it the most. Otamendi has helped his playmakers with his accuracy a number of times in this tournament so far.

Nahuel Molina

Right Back Molina had a wonderful game against the Netherlands in Quarter Final, scoring his first for Argentina. Molina in defence has been brilliant too.

 Rodrigo De Paul

The Argentinian midfield will be crucial for them in the game against Croatia. Croatian defence had made Brazil struggle, thus De Paul in Center Midfield will play an important role.

 Enzo Fernandez

Fernandez struggled to net his strike against the Netherlands in Shootout, yet his game in Midfield will be crucial for Argentina,

Alexis Mac Allister

Playing his first World Cup Allister has impressed his manager Scaloni very much. He will also be taking charge in the Argentinian midfield.

Nicolas Tagliafico

30-year-old Tagliafico has played an important supporting role for Argentina in FIFA World Cup 2022 so far. Croatia will be no different for him too.

Lionel Messi (c)

One of the greats in the game is on the quest for his first glory. Missing the opportunity in 2014, Messi will do everything possible to tame Croatia in Semifinal.  

Julian Alvarez

In 5 games so far Alvarez has scored twice in this edition. Alvarez will be playing to support Messi and Martinez in the Semi-Final.