DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Tears are flowing from soccer’s greatest superstars as they make emotional exits from what is perhaps their final World Cup.First it was Neymar. Then it was Cristiano Ronaldo. Might Lionel Messi be subsequent?Momentum is constructing behind Messi’s push to cap his profession with the most important prize within the sport. The 35-year-old Argentina playmaker has carried his staff to the semifinals, virtually in the identical approach Diego Maradona — the person with whom Messi is so typically in contrast — led the South American nation to its second and most up-to-date World Cup title in 1986.Now in Argentina’s approach is Croatia, a rustic with a inhabitants of 4 million which is establishing a status as probably the most cussed and sturdy of opponents whereas additionally boasting certainly one of soccer’s most sleek gamers in Luka Modric.The groups go face to face at Lusail Stadium — additionally the venue for Sunday’s ultimate — in a gathering between the final two runners-up on the event: Argentina in 2014 and Croatia in 2018.Argentina may need been anticipated to be on this place. The staff arrived on the World Cup because the Copa America champion, on a 36-match unbeaten run and with Messi again in elegant type for Paris Saint-Germain.There was a lot much less noise across the Croatians, but they carry on stunning identical to 4 years in the past when their run to the ultimate included a 3-0 victory over Argentina within the group stage. Additionally they reached the World Cup semifinals in 1998.Each groups have come via uncomfortable moments. Argentina’s darkest time was proper at the beginning of the event, after a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in what’s going to go down as one of many World Cup’s greatest upsets.Impressed by Messi and one of the fervent fan followings in Qatar, Argentina received its ultimate two group video games, ended up squeezing previous Australia 2-1 within the spherical of 16 after which required penalties to get previous the Netherlands in a wild quarterfinal match.Messi now has 4 objectives within the event in Qatar, leaving him one behind prime scorer Kylian Mbappé. They’re in all probability the 2 standout gamers at a World Cup that has seen many different prime gamers reside as much as their lofty reputations.Modric is a working example.He may not have scored a aim. He hasn’t even had an help. However don’t underestimate the significance to Croatia of the little magician who retains issues ticking in midfield and manages to say some management for a staff which fights till the final minute.In 2018, every of Croatia’s knockout video games went into additional time earlier than the staff misplaced to France within the ultimate, and the identical factor is occurring in Qatar, with victories in penalty shootouts over Japan within the final 16 and Brazil within the quarterfinals.Croatia appeared extra comfy in opposition to Brazil than in opposition to Japan, which exhibits the staff is perhaps happier to ask strain and select its moments to interrupt ahead somewhat than management video games and be extra vulnerable to the counterattack.Containing Messi shall be key and far of the accountability there lies with holding midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who protected Croatia’s protection so properly in opposition to Brazil.Argentina shall be with out two gamers due to suspension: left again Marcos Acuña and proper again Gonzalo Montiel. Acuña is the larger miss, having impressed since coming into the staff after the loss to Saudi Arabia, and he’s possible to get replaced by Nicolás Tagliafico.___Follow Steve Douglas on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80___
Messi, Modric carry Argentina, Croatia into World Cup semis
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