FOOTBALL
World Cup: Will Argentina crush Croatia?
After eliminating Brazil from the World Cup, Croatia will look to send another Latin American heavyweights packing for home when they take on Argentina at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in the first semifinal of the 2022 World Cup.
On the other hand, Argentina will hope to avenge their group stage loss to the Balkans four years ago and maintain their flawless record in the World Cup semifinals.
La Albiceleste have played in five World Cup semifinals before, and they have won every one of them.
They last reached this stage of the competition eight years ago in Brazil, and they beat the Netherlands on penalties to set up a final against Germany.
Argentina have already played Oranje in the quarterfinals and had to rely on the shootouts to determine the match’s fate again.
Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi set Argentina on the course of a comfortable victory, but a late brace from super-sub Wout Weghorst took the match to extra time and then to penalties.
Argentina custodian Emiliano Martínez stepped up as the hero as he saved two penalties to hand Argentina a 4-2 win.
Croatia have come out on top in two back-to-back penalty shootouts to reach this far in the competition.
First, they broke millions of Japanese hearts by beating the Samurai Blue on penalties in the round of 16. Then, they beat Brazil on shootouts in the quarterfinal after the scores were locked 1-1 in 120 minutes of football.
The Checkered Ones now need to win only one more game to make successive World Cup finals for the first time in their history.
Interestingly, Croatia did not win any knockout match in regular time en route to the final in 2018. With keeper Dominik Livaković in top form, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalić will fancy his team’s chances if the semifinal tie goes to penalties as well.
Team News & Key Players
Match referee Mateu Lahoz did not shy away from bringing out the cards in the Argentina-Netherlands game.
He produced 17 cards in the match, and two of his bookings will keep out Argentine fullbacks Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña from the semifinal. So, Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico will play on both flanks for Argentina.
Ángel Di María is expected to feature from the start after fully recovering from injury.
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is in crackling form. He is the only player with at least 10 tackles won and at least 5 chances created in the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Messi has created 16 chances in the 2022 World Cup, second-most of any player behind only Antoine Griezmann’s 17.
Messi’s six goal contributions this World Cup are second only to Kylian Mbappe’s seven.
Zlatko Dalić doesn’t have any injury and suspension concerns ahead of the match.
Andrej Kramarić has been struggling for goals up front, but Dalić might choose to trust the Hoffenheim striker once again and stick with the winning combination.
Our Prediction
Both teams are defensively solid, but Argentina have better attacking assets and should be able to see off Croatia to reach to the final.
We are expecting a 1-0 win for Argentina.
Date: 14 December
Kickoff: 12:30 AM IST
Venue: Lusail Iconic Stadium
FOOTBALL
Nottingham Forest Climbs to Third with Victory Over Tottenham
Nottingham Forest secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Tottenham in a gripping Premier League encounter. Anthony Elanga’s decisive goal propelled Forest to third position in the league standings, marking a significant achievement for the club.
The match showcased Forest’s resilience and tactical discipline. Elanga’s goal came in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Tottenham. The Forest forward displayed composure as he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, ensuring three vital points for his team.
Tottenham, despite their efforts, struggled to break through Forest’s well-organized defense. Their attack lacked the sharpness needed to convert opportunities into goals. This defeat marks a setback for Tottenham, who now face mounting pressure to reclaim their form.
Nottingham Forest manager praised the team’s performance, emphasizing their determination and collective effort. He highlighted the significance of the win in boosting morale and confidence for the challenging fixtures ahead.
The victory reflects Forest’s remarkable form this season, as they continue to defy expectations and compete among the league’s elite. Their consistent performances have made them a formidable opponent in the Premier League.
Fans celebrated the win, recognizing it as a testament to the club’s progress under the current management. The team’s climb to third position underscores their ambition and growing reputation in English football.
This result serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that defines the Premier League. Nottingham Forest’s rise adds a compelling narrative to the season, inspiring fans and players alike.
FOOTBALL
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Moment Recalled by Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand shared an emotional incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson during their Manchester United days. The story highlights Ferguson’s management style and Ronaldo’s journey to becoming a football legend.
According to Ferdinand, the incident occurred early in Cristiano Ronaldo career. Ferguson criticized Ronaldo in front of the team after a subpar performance. The harsh words left Ronaldo in tears, but they also sparked a determination to improve.
Ferdinand explained that Ferguson used such moments to build mental toughness in young players. The criticism wasn’t meant to demean but to push Ronaldo toward greatness. This tough-love approach became a hallmark of Ferguson’s management.
Ronaldo responded by working harder on his game, focusing on areas Ferguson pointed out. Ferdinand recalled how Ronaldo’s commitment to improvement impressed both teammates and coaches. This incident marked a turning point in Ronaldo’s development.
The story also sheds light on Ferguson’s ability to read players and tailor his approach. While his methods were tough, they often brought out the best in players like Ronaldo.
Ferdinand emphasized that Ronaldo’s resilience and willingness to learn set him apart. He turned criticism into motivation, eventually becoming one of the greatest footballers in history.
This anecdote offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a legendary player-coach relationship. It also highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in professional sports.
Ronaldo’s ability to handle challenges and grow from them remains a key lesson for aspiring athletes. The story serves as a reminder of how tough moments can lead to extraordinary success with the right mindset.
FOOTBALL
Bukayo Saka Injury: Arsenal Star Out for Several Weeks
Bukayo Saka had hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for several weeks, confirmed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This announcement comes as a significant blow to Arsenal’s campaign, as Saka plays a pivotal role in the team’s attack.
Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka injury occurred during a recent match and requires adequate recovery time. Medical evaluations confirmed the severity of the issue, necessitating a break from competitive football.
Saka’s absence creates challenges for Arsenal, particularly in crucial upcoming matches. The team must now explore alternative strategies to maintain their performance without one of their key players.
Arteta emphasized the importance of player health and stressed that Saka’s recovery would not be rushed. The manager expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability to manage this period effectively.
Arsenal’s medical staff will closely monitor Saka’s rehabilitation to ensure a safe and complete recovery. The club remains optimistic about his return later in the season.
Fans expressed their support for Saka, wishing him a speedy recovery. His contributions this season have been vital, making his absence a significant setback. Arsenal supporters eagerly await updates on his progress.
This development highlights the physical demands on players in competitive football. Teams must balance performance and player welfare to prevent such injuries. Arsenal’s handling of Saka’s situation reflects their commitment to safeguarding their players’ health.
Saka’s injury adds pressure on Arsenal to perform without their star winger. The team’s response during this period will test their resilience and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
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