Croatia does not include Messi alone

"We do not have a detailed plan to intercept Messi. But as usual, Croatia will not focus on blocking an individual, but must find a way to prevent the general play of the opponent," said striker Petkovic. ahead of the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. "Croatia will stop the collective play, not by one-on-one. Argentina not only has Messi. They also have many other great players."

Messi is playing impressively at the 2022 World Cup, contributing to bringing Argentina to the semi-finals with four goals and two assists. Most recently, he created the opening goal, scored twice the lead and then successfully completed the first shot in the penalty shootout in the victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. Since the beginning of the tournament, the Argentina captain has received the "Player of the Match" award three times.

Petkovic was Croatia's hero in the quarter-final against Brazil. Dinamo Zagreb's 28-year-old striker came on as a second-half substitute, and scored the equalizer with three minutes remaining in extra time. Croatia then beat Brazil 4-2 in the penalty shootout to qualify for the semi-finals. It was the fourth time the plaid team won when having to decide the match by 11m in the World Cup.

One of Croatia's other bright spots is goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic - the best penalty-keeper of the 2022 World Cup. Livakovic successfully saved once in the quarter-final against Brazil and three in the match against Japan in the first round. /8.

"I think many amateur footballers can also succeed in kicking 11m. The main difference is how strong your spirit is," Petkovic said of Croatia's strengths. "The pressure is huge. It's something that sometimes we don't experience in our lives. But having a top-class goalkeeper has helped Croatia a lot."

Croatia has no suspended players, while defender Borna Sosa has recovered from injury to return, helping them have the best force to prepare for the match against Argentina. The defending World Cup runners-up were most appreciated in midfield with the participation of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.

Talking about these teammates, defender Josip Juranovic said: "Mateo, Luka and Marcelo are the best midfielders in the Croatian football calendar. I don't think we can produce such a trio in the future. When you Pass the ball to them, it's safer than money in the bank."