subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now
Lionel Messi of Argentina moves away from Frenkie de Jong of Netherlands during the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 quarterfinal match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar, December 9 2022. Picture: CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES
Lionel Messi of Argentina moves away from Frenkie de Jong of Netherlands during the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 quarterfinal match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar, December 9 2022. Picture: CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES

Doha — Croatia will not attempt to stop Argentina superstar Lionel Messi by man-marking him but instead will focus on immobilising the entire team in their World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, they said.

Croatia are bidding to make it to the final for the second successive World Cup after losing in the 2018 showcase match to France.

They stunned tournament favourites Brazil in the quarterfinals after going a goal down in extra time but dug deep to bounce back with a late equaliser and force a penalty shoot-out that they ended up winning.

“We don’t have a specific plan yet for stopping Messi and usually we don’t concentrate on stopping one player but the entire team,” striker Bruno Petkovic told reporters on Sunday.

“We will try to stop them as a team and not with man-marking. Argentina are not only Messi, they have a number of great players. We have to stop the entire Argentina team,” he said.

Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has so far been the driving force for the Argentinians, who also needed penalties after squandering a two-goal lead against the Dutch in their quarterfinal.

With no players suspended and no injury concerns after the return of Croatia defender Borna Sosa, Zlatko Dalic’s team is brimming with confidence and ready for more.

Their midfield comprising captain Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic will be key to dictating the pace, as they did against Brazil, and defender Josip Juranovic said the three are utterly dependable.

“Mateo, Luka and Marcelo are the best Croatia midfield in history. I don’t think it can be repeated. When you pass them the ball it is safer than having your money in the bank,” the defender said.

Supersub Petkovic scored the 117th-minute equaliser against Brazil to force penalties, with Croatia having now won all four of the shoot-outs they have taken part in at World Cups.

“Many people who are not professional footballers can take successful penalties,” Petkovic said. “The difference is how mentally tough you are. There is huge pressure you have never experienced before. But it also helps when you have a world-class keeper.”

Keeper Dominik Livakovic saved one spot kick against Brazil after saving three in their round of 16 shoot-out against Japan.

But it was Petkovic’s dramatic equaliser after Brazil’s extra-time lead that carried them to the shoot-out.

“I am becoming more and more aware of the magnitude of this goal with each passing day,” Petkovic said. “Maybe I’ll experience something similar in the semifinal or beyond.”

Reuters

subscribe Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.