Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Croatia’s Luka Modric face off in a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, desperate to seize their final chance to win football's ultimate prize.
In the second semi-final on Wednesday, reigning champions France take on giant-killing Morocco, the first African team ever to reach the last four of a World Cup, reports AFP.
But first, all eyes will be on the cavernous Lusail Stadium, where Messi, now 35, will attempt to fire Argentina into the final for the second time in eight years against the 2018 runners-up.Messi, who suffered a defeat to Germany in 2014 final, is desperate to crown an extraordinary career by emulating another Argentine great, the late Diego Maradona, who lifted the trophy in 1986.
Croatia, who beat Japan and pre-tournament favourites Brazil in penalty shoot-outs to reach the last four, have not won a knockout game in normal time at a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup, where they came third.
Croatia, with Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric still the leader on the pitch at the age of 37, have again defied the odds to stand on the brink of a second successive final.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said he wanted Tuesday's match to be remembered as the "greatest game" in the country's history.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
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