It's the Semi Finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Time for both matches is 8 p.m. west African time.
Lionel Messi and Luca Modric face off in a mouthwatering World Cup semifinal between Argentina and Croatia on Tuesday, desperate to seize their final chance to win football's ultimate prize.
In the second semifinal on Wednesday, reigning champions France take on giant-kiling Morocco, the first African football team ever to reach the last four of a World Cup.
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 defeat to Germany in the 2014 final, is desperate to crown an extraordinary career by emulating another Argentine great legend, the late Diego Maradona, who lifted the trophy in 1986.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was a pivotal figure in Friday's stormy quarterfinal win over the Netherlands, when a record 18 yellow cards were shown and players from both sides were involved in a melee as the referee fought to regain control.
Even the normally mild-mannered Messi was caught up in the bad blood, shouting abuse at Dutch players while he was being interviewed after the game. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni defended his players' conduct on Monday, insisting they had nothing to apologise for.
On Wednesday, France are strong favorites to beat Morocco and take a step closer to defending their title on Wednesday.
Watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup on our website. Highlights and scores of Croatia versus Argentina match will be posted shortly. Stay tuned!
Don't forget to join us tomorrow Wednesday for the highlights and scores of Morocco versus France match.
5 Facts ahead of Argentina versus Croatia
Here are 5 facts ahead of the Croatia Argentina game:
1. Argentina has never lost a World Cup semi-final they have been victorious in all four previous visits to this stage of the competition
2. Croatia have a 50% record at this stage. They have lost to eventual winners France in 1998 but beat England 4 years ago in Russia.
3. Russia has never lost a penalty shootout in World Cup, winning all four of their previous ties that went to spot-kicks .
4. Argentina have a near-perfect record in penalty shootouts too. They have won five of their six matches that went to spot-kicks, the only blemish quarterfinal loss to host Germany in 2006.
5. The two sides have met five times before in all competitions with two wins each and a draw. It is also an even record in the World Cup with Argentina winning 1-0 in the group stages in 1998 and Croatia claiming a 3-0 success in their pool in 2018.
Croatia versus Argentina Prediction
What are your predictions for the Croatia v Argentina match today? Drop your predictions in the comments box below.
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