The atmosphere of tension is back in Kerala as the two times World champion Argentina faces an undefeated Croatia tonight.
South First spoke to Argentina fans in Kerala, India, ahead of its clash with the 2018 runners-up, Croatia. (Supplied)
It was 10 December, 2022. A vibrant Saturday night in Kerala and Argentina fans were thrilled that their team was 2-0 up in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands.
The Lionel Messi-led side seemed all set to take an easy stroll into the semifinal of the World Cup.
But the fans were left shell-shocked when the Netherlands scored back-to-back goals, the second one right at the last kick of the game.
“I had my heart in my mouth. The goal (by the Netherlands) was perfectly executed and I was very tense. Thankfully we won in the penalties,” Reinhard Jacob, an Argentina fan from Alappuzha, told South First.
The atmosphere is once again tense in India’s Kerala as the two-time world champions Argentina face an undefeated Croatia in the first semifinals on Tuesday,13 December (14 December IST).
Defending Champions France will take on Morocco, who have also remained unbeaten so far.
South First spoke to Argentina fans in Kerala, India, ahead of its clash with the 2018 runners-up, Croatia.
Nicknamed Vatreni (blazers), Croatia’s defence led by Josko Gvardiol has only conceded three goals in five matches and scored seven.
“Argentina needs to beware of Croatia’s scoring. Our defence is good, but theirs too, so we have to score at any cost. A penalty shootout might cost Argentina the match,” Aziz, another Argentinian supporter from Wayanad, told South First.
However, Ramees Karim from Idukki believes Croatia’s defence is not a big threat compared to that of the Netherlands. “It is inexperienced compared to the Netherlands,” a confident Ramees opined.
The match is expected to be tight as Croatia has shown balance in all the areas — defence, attack and midfield.
“Argentina should find a way to stop the counter-attacks of Croatia as their midfielders and forwards have the potential to take the match away from the Albicelestes (nickname of Argentina men’s football team),” a cautious Jacob viewed.
Meanwhile, screenings of Argentina matches are happening across Kerala with groups of fans watching together.
Kerala, the southern state of India 🇮🇳 roared for Argentina last night 🤯
📍 Nallur Stadium, Kozhikodepic.twitter.com/NldkDBTk1Q
— GOAL India (@Goal_India) December 10, 2022
After Brazil lost to Croatia in the quarterfinals and Portugal to Morocco, questions arise about whether their supporters in India’s Kerala will back Argentina?
Jacob believes that most of the Brazil and Portugal fans will be supporting Croatia. “As they do not want to see Messi win the World Cup, they will take Croatia’s side. But there are good football fans who want to see Messi lift the cup,” he said.
Ramees was also of a similar opinion. “I am sure there are a lot of Brazil and Portugal fans are hoping for Argentina to lose, but those who know the sport very well hope for Messi to lift the World Cup.”
Two starting 11 players — defenders Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel — face suspension ahead of the match.
“It is a cause for concern, but I believe Argentina would be able to register a win against Croatia at least by a narrow margin,” said Akshay B, a resident of Thrissur, told South First.
Argentina fans in Kerala want their talisman Messi to perform tonight.
“Messi, along with Angel Di Maria and Alexis Mac Allister, is expected to win it for Argentina,” Ramees predicted.
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