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Fans are fuming with Lionel Scaloni's decision not to name Lisandro Martinez or Angel Di Maria in Argentina's starting lineup for their FIFA World Cup semifinal clash with Croatia at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on Tuesday (December 13).
Argentina are hoping to make the final of the FIFA World Cup, but they must get past the 2018 runners-up. Scaloni has reverted to a four-man defence for the clash with the Vatreni. He adopted three at the back in the dramatic 4-3 shootout win over the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
That decision allowed Martinez, 24, to come into the starting lineup, and he impressed with his relentlessness and grit. He made four clearances, two interceptions and two tackles as Argentina secured a memorable win. However, he drops out of defence and onto the substitutes bench for the clash with Croatia.
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Meanwhile, Di Maria, 34, came on in the 112th minute against Netherlands after dealing with an injury. He was left on the bench for the side's 2-1 win win Australia in the last 16 as he recovered. The Juventus winger has one assist during the tournament and has been a constant threat down the right flank.
Di Maria has earned 128 international caps, scoring 27 goals and providing 26 assists. The former Real Madrid attacker's experience may have been vital for Scaloni's men but finds himself on the bench with Martinez.
Emiliano Martinez, the hero of the quarterfinal win over the Dutch, starts in goal. Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico start in defence.
Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul and Alex Mac Allister are in midfield. The iconic Lionel Messi is in attack alongside youngster Julian Alvarez.
However, Scaloni's starting lineup is being met with backlash from fans who feel Martinez should have started.
Here are some reactions from Twitter:
Argentina squandered a 2-0 lead late in the second half before winning on penalties against the Oranje to make the last four.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says it's written in the stars that Messi will win FIFA World Cup with Argentina
Messi's former Barcelona teammate Ibrahimovic has told reporters that he expects the Argentina icon to win the FIFA World Cup.
The legendary Swedish striker spoke during AC Milan's mid-season tour of Dubai. He said (via the Daily Mail):
"I think it's already written who will win, and you know who I mean. I think Messi will lift the trophy; it's already written."
The closest the PSG attacker has come to winning the tournament was in 2014. He led La Albiceleste to the final against Germany, but his side suffered a 1-0 defeat in extra time.
Argentina are on the brink of making the final in Qatar, and Messi has been key every step of the way. He has scored four goals and contributed two assists in five games.
The PSG forward's leadership has been vital throughout as he seeks to guide his team towards FIFA World Cup glory for the third time, first since 1986.
