Key Facts ahead of Argentina vs. Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals

Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, will face a big roadblock in the semi-final on Tuesday with 2018 runners-up Croatia, which will be hosted at “Lusail” stadium on Tuesday night. Argentine qualified for the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, overcoming the Netherlands counterpart with a penalty shootout, 4-3, after the end of the regular and extra time with a 2-2 draw. While the Croats stunned the tournament favorites in the quarter-finals with a vintage performance, after going a goal down in extra-time but digging deep to bounce back and force a penalty shootout that they ended up winning.

In the following report, we review the most key facts about the two teams:

Argentina

Nickname: La Albiceleste
In 18 World Cup tournaments, Argentina had 48 victories in 84 matches.
FIFA Ranking:
3 worldwide October 2022
24 lowest ranking August 1996
Most Notable Records: won the FIFA World Cup title twice, in 1978 and 1986.
86 matches played in the World Cup: 46 wins - 16 draws - 24 defeats
Scored 146 goals - conceded 98 goals
The most appeared captain of the national team, Lionel Messi – 170 international games.

Croatia 

Nickname: (The   Blazers) 
Sixth participation in the World Cup finals.
FIFA Ranking: 12 worldwide October 2022
125 lowest rating in March 1994
Most Notable Records: Runner-up of the 2018 edition.
Played 28 games, won 12, drew 8, lost 8, scored 41 goals, and conceded 29 goals.
Most appeared Luka Modric Real Madrid star 160 matches.