Tag: luka modric

[ad_1] Luka Modric criticised Daniele Orsato, labelling him as "one of the worst" referees.© AFPCroatia suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat at the hands of Argentina in the World Cup semi-final at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday. Croatia captain Luka Modric, however, wasn't happy with the officiating as he blasted the Italian referee, Daniele Orsato, who had awarded Argentina a penalty in the first-half. While he didn't complain much on the field, Modric, in his post-match interview, said that the penalty decision changed the game. He criticised Orsato, labelling him as "one of the worst" referees."We had a good time on the pitch until the penalty, which for me wasn't there, because he (Julian Alvarez) shoots and hits our goalkeeper. Usually I don't talk about referees, but today it's impossi...

[ad_1] Lionel Messi and Luka Modric face off in a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia 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. 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, the late Diego Maradona, who lifted the trophy in 1986.The Paris Saint-Germain forward was a pivotal figu...

[ad_1] Croatia and Argentina face each other on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium with a place in the World Cup final at stake. A look at some of the key factors in the game.Messi or Modric magic?The late-career evolution of Lionel Messi into a clever creator operating behind the front line has intensified at this World Cup. He illustrated just how effective he can be with his superb defence-splitting pass to set up the opening goal in the quarter-final against the Netherlands.Croatia are unlikely to put a specific man-marker on Messi, relying on what has been a solid defence and one of the best midfields in the tournament to gain the upper hand. Marcelo Brozovic occupies the deepest defensive role in the Croat midfield trio and is likely to have the most work to do in nullifying Messi, 35, ...

[ad_1] Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday's semi-final in Doha. Argentina have recovered from the shock of losing their opening game in Qatar to Saudi Arabia and made the last four with an exhausting win on penalties against the Netherlands at the end of a fractious quarter-final on Friday. Having been 2-0 up and cruising after 83 minutes, with Messi setting up one goal in sublime fashion and netting a penalty, they conceded twice late on and had to survive extra time before triumphing 4-3 in a shoot-out.Backed by an enormous contingent of travelling supporters who have brought the passion, noise and colour of Argentina's own stadiums to this World C...