Modric stands in Messi’s way

DOHA, Qatar – Lionel Messi and Argentina’s World Cup dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in Tuesday’s semifinal in Doha.

Argentina has recovered from the shock of losing its opening game in Qatar to Saudi Arabia and made the last four with an exhausting win on penalties against the Netherlands at the end of a fractious quarterfinal on Friday.

Having been 2-0 up and cruising after 83 minutes, with Messi setting up one goal in sublime fashion and netting a penalty, Argentina conceded twice late on and had to survive extra time before triumphing 4-3 in a shootout.

Backed by an enormous contingent of travelling supporters who have brought the passion, noise and color of Argentina’s own stadiums to this World Cup, Messi and his teammates are starting to believe this really could be their year.

“We have balls, passion, heart and we are doing this for 45 million people,” said goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, and Argentina’s optimism now has only increased after seeing great rival Brazil go out in the last round.

World Cup glory would complete a wonderful career for Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, possibly the greatest club player ever.

After reaching the final four years ago, Croatia has beaten Japan and Brazil on penalties to make the semis here.

The Croatians have gone to extra time in eight of their last nine major tournament knockout matches and the nation of just four million people has nothing to lose as they eye a place in the final against France or Morocco, which will meet in the other semis Wednesday.

And in Modric they have a master, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner who starred as Croatia beat Argentina, 3-0, in the group stage four years ago.