By Basit Jamiu
The World Cup semi final stage is set and the last four teams will battle for a place at the final on Tuesday and Wednesday.
France will take on Morocco and Argentina will slug it out with the Croatian side that eliminated Brazil.
Lionel Messi, the Argentinian front man is currently at his best form. He has scored four times and created many chances for his teammates. He is obviously one of the best players in Qatar.
On the other side, Luka Modric has been key to his team’s success. Though, he has not scored or assisted any of his teammates. The little magician has been key to his side’s deadly attacks.
Ikeja Bird analyses the likely contributions of the two great footballers to their respective teams when they clash on Tuesday.
Lionel Messi
The 7-time ballon d’or winner will again hope to guide his countrymen to victory against Croatia. He is the highest goal scorer in his team in this competition so far. He is also the one with the rarest creativity to turn the game around when it matters.
Messi, currently second after Kylian Mbappe in this competition, hopes to equalize or finish ahead of the best man in France.
You can expect to see a hungry and fully motivated Messi making sharp runs, dribbling, and cutting through Croatian defense as well as setting up assists for a goal or scoring it himself.
Luka Modric
The 37-year old is undoubtedly participating in his final World Cup and has indicated, according to Goal, that he is open to the outcome of his clash against Argentina on Tuesday.
The Croatians tactical prowess has come from their control of the midfield led by Luka Modric.
Against Brazil, Modric and his teammates outperformed their opponent in the centre holding significant possession.
Luka Modric will once again be crucial if his side is to secure a win against a Messi-inspired Argentina.
