5 Reasons Croatia Lost to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Semifinals

 

The reasons why the Croatian national team lost to Argentina in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup will be discussed here. One of them was caused by the La Albiceleste gold pair – nicknamed the Argentina National Team – namely Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi.

Vatreni – the nickname of the Croatian National Team – must admit the might of Argentina at the Lusail Stadium, Wednesday (14/12/2022). After killing Brazil in the quarter-finals, they were beaten too easily in 90 minutes by Argentina.

Why did Croatia lose so easily? Let's take a look at the five reasons why the Croatian national team lost to Argentina in the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup.

5. Luka Modric is running out of ideas

Croatia started the match with dominance in possession. They recorded up to 65 per cent of the ball's flow in the first 25 minutes without a single attempt on Argentina's goal.

Luka Modric should be a maestro in midfield with his creative ideas. But in this match, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner seemed to be running out of ideas.

4. Blunt

Despite ending the first half two goals down, Croatia still excelled in possession. However, from many attempts, none of them led to the right target.

3. Fatigue

The fatigue factor may also have affected Croatia's game. They had more than 120 minutes to get rid of Japan and Brazil on penalties.

Dominik Livakovic is so great on penalties. However, the players' stamina was drained because they played very defensively for 120 minutes. As a result, when they reached the semifinals, Croatia's energy seemed drained.

2. Argentina's Deadly Counterattack

Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, decided to play waiting from the start. They only did the occasional attack, but it was deadly.

The second goal in the 39th minute was created on a counter-attack after Croatia's corner failed to threaten. Julian Alvarez, who got the ball in midfield, immediately maximized the opportunities. Evidence of how deadly the Manchester City striker is and Argentina's counterattack.

1. Golden Couple Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi

Argentina played very well as a defensive team. However, the goals from these two star strikers, of course it will be meaningless.

Lionel Messi scored a goal and one assist. Meanwhile, Alvarez scored two goals, one of which was the result of collaboration with Messi.

Croatia's defense has been tough throughout this tournament. However, this Albiceleste gold pair duo immediately knocked down this formidable defense