Image copyright: Getty Images
2022 FIFA World Cup
Semi-finals
Argentina v Croatia
Lusail Iconic Stadium
Lusail, Qatar
Tuesday, 13 December 2022
Kick-off is at 19h00
Argentina will look to continue their impressive record of having never lost in the
World Cup semi-finals when they face Croatia at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday, December 13.
La Albiceleste have previously reached the last four of the tournament four times and on each occasion they went through to the final, winning twice (1978 and 1986) and finishing runners-up twice (1990 and 2014).
Lionel Scaloni's side also set a new record in the quarter-finals for the most penalty shootouts won with five after they beat the Netherlands, who scored two late goals to earn a 2-2 draw and force extra-time.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Lionel Messi has starred for the Copa America champions in their run to the semis, registering four goals and two assists as he looks to get his hands on the only trophy missing from his cabinet.
Messi was in the starting line-up four years ago when Argentina were beaten 3-0 by the Vatreni in their Group D opener and the 35-year-old forward will be determined to make amends in Lusail.
The Paris saint-Germain star paid tribute to World Cup winner Diego Maradona after eliminating the Oranje and was happy to be able to bring joy to his people back home.
"Diego is watching us from heaven. He is pushing us and I really hope this stays the same until the end," Messi said. "When Lautaro scored and we qualified there was a huge joy.
"It was a weight off our chest. It was a very hard match. From the beginning it was a really tough match, we knew it would be this way.
"We were really happy and we enjoyed that moment and that's what we can see here and also in Argentina because people are really happy, they are really excited and they are full of enthusiasm."
Croatia also needed penalties to get past pre-tournament favourites Brazil in the quarters, having played out to a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
Dominik Livakovic equalled a World Cup record when he denied Rodrygo from the spot, making it four saves in total at the global showpiece during shootouts.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Zlatko Dalic's team are now aiming to reach back-to-back finals after claiming one of their "greatest" victories over the Selecao, according to their head coach.
"We eliminated the biggest favourites," Dalic declared. "This is for the Croatian people. A great match from the first minute to the last. This is not the end for us, let's keep going.
"This is a victory for all of us, everyone gave their best. Thanks also to those on the bench, who also live for this national team."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 5
Argentina - 2
Croatia - 2
Draws - 1
Bet on the Cup in Qatar and Stand to win throughout the WC
Join Betway now & bet on the Cup in Qatar with up to GHS 200 in Free Bets.
The world has gathered for football’s greatest showpiece. Enter our Daily Draw to win a guaranteed GHS 30,000 in cash every matchday, and gain access to our Free Predictor.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.