Croatia vs. England: 5 key matchups

Croatia and England play each other in the semifinals of the World Cup. Here are five key matchups to keep an eye on during the game.

This year marks the first time in World Cup history none of Germany, Brazil or Argentina have made it to the semifinals. And while many expected France and Belgium to make it to the last four, the same can’t be said for either Croatia or England, who face off on Wednesday, the former bidding to reach their first ever World Cup final and the latter their first in over 50 years.

Croatia have made it to the semis for the first time since 1998 following back-to-back penalty shootout wins, against Denmark and Russia. Their so-called golden generation boasts top European talent including Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic and Dejan Lovren, many of whom are likely playing in their last World Cup.

England, in contrast, are the youngest squad at the tournament, which lack of experience has allowed them to play with a freedom the nation typically lacks at World Cups. Harry Kane and Dele Alli are Tottenham’s one-two punch in attack, while Kieran Trippier, John Stones and Harry Maguire have been very important at the back during this magical run by the Three Lions.

Modric and Kane, who has a World Cup-leading six goals after the quarterfinal round, also renew their rivalry after Real Madrid and Tottenham met twice this past season during the group stages of the Champions League.

Here are five key matchups to watch for during the game.

Dejan Lovren vs. Harry Kane

Croatia’s Dejan Lovren, the team’s agile and quick center-back, against goalscorer Harry Kane should be a great contest. Lovren and Kane know each other well from their memorable Liverpool-Tottenham clashes in the Premier League this past season. Tottenham trounced Liverpool 4-1 at Wembley as Kane netted a brace and was the star of the game. Lovren, on the other hand, was given the hook after just 30 minutes for his performance. He was at fault for Kane’s first goal, misjudging the flight of the ball on that play, and otherwise completely failed to get to grips with the forward.

Can Kane get the better of the Croatian defender again? Lovren isn’t afraid to play a physical game and his take-no-prisoners attitude has served Croatia well at this tournament. Lovren’s talents aside, the Croatian defense as a whole has had some lapses, especially during the knockout stages against Denmark and Russia, and that has resulted in conceding some soft goals. It could be another chance for Kane to bulk up his goal tally at this World Cup.

Indeed, Kane has been wonderful for England over the past few weeks, but showed very little in the quarterfinal victory against Sweden. Nevertheless, Kane is a force even when he doesn’t make the score sheet. Against Sweden, Kane maintained possession and tried to find space for his teammates. He remains a very dangerous striker and one the Three Lions will be looking to score goals in the semifinals.

Ivan Strinic vs. Kieran Trippier

Ivan Strinic is part of a handful of Croatia players based in Italy’s Serie A. Strinic, who left Sampdoria to sign with AC Milan on a free transfer during the World Cup, will have to tangle with Kieran Trippier, who has emerged as one of England’s most important players at this tournament.

Strinic is known for his defensive abilities, while also aiding the attack on the wings. The 30-year-old has plenty of experience and that should come in handy at this level.

Trippier, a right-back, possesses an even larger range of abilities. He’ll likely have lots of space to operate on the right wing. He’s come to epitomize the way England have played at this tournament, providing width in open play and consistent quality on set-pieces. If his delivery is on point again, England will be hard to stop.

Mario Mandzukic vs. John Stones

Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic has had a relatively quiet World Cup. A deadly attacker at club level, the 32-year-old Juventus star has only one goal in four matches at Russia 2018. Opponents have successfully been able to stop him by double-teaming Mandzukic and denying him service.

Although he’s had a so-so tournament, Mandzukic possesses both the cleverness and physicality to change the came with a single attempt. Getting in Mandzukic’s way will be England center-back John Stones.

Stones’ man-to-man marking of the Croatian striker will be a real test for the Manchester City star. Whether Stones can thwart Mandzukic, and the Croatian offense in general, can determine whether England can advance to the final.

Luka Modric/Ivan Rakitic vs. Jesse Lingard/Dele Alli

Midfield is where games are often won or lost. Croatia-England features a red hot midfield battle featuring four of the game’s best players.

On one side is the Croatian duo of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Both have lots of experience in La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, and at the international level for their country. Modric, in particular, has been a dynamo with his pinpoint passing, stamina and pace. He’s the engine for this team.

But Modric and his teammates are exhausted after two consecutive 120-minute games compounded by the pressure that comes with being part of penalty shootouts. Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli are much fresher and better rested. If they put together a repeat performance of the Sweden win, England will dominate much of the tempo in this match.

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Zlatko Dalic vs. Gareth Southgate

Croatia-England is also a battle of tactics. Zlatko Dalic and his 4-2-3-1 versus Gareth Southgate’s 3-1-4-2. Tactics only tell a small part of the story. Both managers have galvanized their rosters, getting the most out of their players throughout this competition.

The World Cup can also be a psychological battle. Both these men have prepared their players well for this game. What subs each manager makes and how they juggle the lineup matters a lot here, especially for Dalic, who has to deal with injuries and tired legs.

As for Southgate, he’s sucked the fear of losing out of this England team. He needs to keep doing that if football is finally going to come home this summer.