Argentina again against Croatia in a World Cup: from the debacle of Sampaoli to the differences that invite Scaloni to dream

Four and a half years later, here we are. Argentina and Croatia, still face to face. Again in a World Cup. But in a completely different case. From Russia to Qatar, there are factors that have changed a lot and others less so. The truth is that heThe selection will be played this Tuesday from 16:00 (Argentina time) at the Lusail stadium the ticket to the world final against an always complicated rival with an unhappy last record for the blue-and-whites. However, especially on the blue and white side, things are different. With the flag as an illusion, Scaloneta takes another step, the last to arrive at the big appointment on Sunday.

On June 21, 2018 in the city of Nizhny Novgorod, the team at the time commanded by George Sampaoliwhich had the current coach on its coaching staff, Lionel Scalonisuffered one of the hardest blows of the World Cup: a lapidary 0-3 in the second match of the group stage, which left him on the verge of a knockout and caused an internal outburst between squad and DT.

The memory is not happy at all. That unusual mistake by goalkeeper Willy Caballero that led to 1-0 de Ante Rebic sunk Argentina, who had completed a good first half. Luka Modric with a great goal and Iván Rakitic completed the nightmare for Albiceleste who had just drawn 1-1 with Iceland in their opening match.

Comparison between Messi, Mascherano and the whole group against Sampaoli Through it, the national team fought against Nigeria in the last duel of the group stage and managed to qualify in a heartbreaking way with that screaming goal by Marcos Rojo.

“The comparisons with the previous World Cup don’t match because all matches are different”Scaloni minimized when asked about it.

“Today we see that Croatia is still a last resort, it means they did a good job. There are some similarities to 2018, but there are different players and features. We are another team too. It will be totally different from what happened four years ago, the game will also take place in a different way and you will also have to take advantage of the experience of that game” said Nicolás Tagliafico, one of those who started at that crossroads and who he will also be from the start in this semi-final.

The similarities have to do with some names being repeated. Of the eleven who left the entrance that time, four are in the Middle East: Nicolás Otamendi, the aforementioned Tagliafico, Lionel Messi and Marcos Acuña. Of these, the last is the only one that won’t be in this new and decisive duel for these suspended players.

Now Paulo Dybala is also repeating himself, who entered that fateful second half. La Joya is one of those who hasn’t added minutes so far and is waiting for his chance. Who could go from the start this time is Angel Di María, who was on the bench in 2018 and did not enter.

And on the other side? There are eight players in the current Croatia squad who were part of the previous cup in which they were runners-up after losing the final to rivals France who eliminated Argentina in the round of 16. And his coach, Zlatko Dalić, is the same.

Modric is the figure who, at 37, is still more current than ever. On him there will certainly be the greatest precautions by Scaloni. But Iván Perisic also reappears, another undisputed symbol of the European team that aims to make history by reaching the world final for the second consecutive time.

“Cristiano failed to win the World Cup with Portugal, Messi wants to win it with Argentina and we will give 100% for Modric to win itPericic said.

The star goalkeeper against Brazil, Dominik Livakovic, came on as a substitute in Russia and now he is the owner of Croatian gloves. Lovren and Brozovic remain in the headlines, while Kovacic, who had come on as a substitute, is now the starter. Vida, on the other hand, was in central defense at Nizhny and currently occupies a place on the bench. For his part, striker Kramaric is another familiar face of 2018 (he joined the supplement that time).

It wasn’t the first time they faced each other: in France 98 also coincided in the group stage and on that occasion the victory in Bordeaux was 1-0 for the Argentines with a goal by Mauricio Pineda.

Football and the World Cup bring Argentina and Croatia face to face again. The context, this time, is that of a semifinal, nothing more and nothing less. This national team has little or nothing to do with the one four and a half years ago. It is a totally new process that seeks to be crowned with glory in Qatar.

With Messi on one side and Modric on the other, football ensures a gala evening in Lusail. The past won’t matter anymore when the ball starts rolling. Only one will keep the dream of lifting the golden trophy alive.

Doha, Qatar. Special delivery.