FIFA WC 2022 | Argentina vs Croatia | H2H | Last 5 meetings

Croatia faces Argentina in their first semi-final match of the World Cup. Both sides sealed their places in the semifinals with penalty shootout victories last time out against the Netherlands and Brazil, respectively.

Croatia beat Brazil on penalties after the match ended in a stalemate even after extra time, and it went to penalties. Croatia prevailed in the shootout 4-2.

Argentina, on the other hand, led comfortably 2-0 until the 80th minute thanks to a Lionel Messi goal and assist. Weghorst's goal helped them score two goals and take the match to penalties, where they lost 4-3. It set up an enthralling semi-final.

Argentina vs. Croatia: Head-to-Head Records

These two teams have played each other at two previous World Cups, in 1998 and 2018.

Both those games were in the group stages, however, with their next match looming as the biggest between the two.

This fixture has only been played five times before, with a total of 12 goals scored across the matches to date.

Argentina vs. Croatia (1994) (0-0)

Their first meeting was a friendly match in 1994. That match ended in a draw as both teams failed to score.

Argentina vs Croatia (1998) (1-0)

The Argentines won the match in their second meeting in the World Cup group stages. Pineda scored a solo goal in the 36th minute.

Argentina vs. Croatia (2006, 2-3)

Their third meeting was in 2006 in a friendly where the Croatians won 3-1 courtesy of goals from Srna, Klasnic, and Simic. Even though Argentina scored two goals in response through Tevez and Messi, Croatia prevailed.

Argentina vs Croatia (2014, 2-1)

In their fourth meeting, which was friendly, Argentina won 2-1 with goals from Ansaldi and Messi. Croatia could only score one goal through Sharbini, who opened the scoring for the visitors.

Argentina vs. Croatia (2018, 0-3)

Their fifth meeting was in Russia in the 2018 World Cup, where the Croatians beat the Argentines comfortably with goals from Rakitic,  Modric, and Rebic. Argentina had more possession last time they faced Croatia but were ineffective with the ball, something they can't afford to be in 2022.

Argentina vs. Croatia: Last Five Meetings
 

Across the five fixtures, Croatia has managed to score more goals than Argentina, with seven strikes compared to five.

Notably, Lionel Messi has scored twice across his three matches against Croatia and comes into this semifinal with four goals in five games in Qatar.

It is also Lionel Messi's last World Cup before he hangs up his boots, and he would want to win in style by lifting the trophy that has eluded him so many times. It would be a fitting end to his glorious career. Argentina will also aim to avoid the defensive mistakes that killed them in their last match.