Lautaro Martinez: 'Quality' Croatia will test Argentina in World Cup semi-finals
- Heinrich Griessel
- 10 December 2022
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has warned Argentina not to underestimate Croatia as they prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final tie.
Argentina survived a nail-biting quarter-final clash with Netherlands on Friday, when they lost a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 before winning the penalty shootout following a goalless extra-time.
Martinez slotted the winning penalty to send La Albiceleste through to the final four, where they will meet 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia, who beat South American giants Brazil in a shootout.
Martinez also revealed that he has been playing through the pain due to an ankle injury plaguing him throughout the World Cup.
"I am sorry for that especially because I've been having pain-killing injections in my ankle. Scaloni and my teammates have always backed me," Martinez told Sportitalia.
"I spoke to Inzaghi and Inter's directors and I am grateful for the support they always show me.
"Surely, it won't be easy against Croatia, they have many quality and experienced players. They played the last Final and we must respect them, recover energy and think about our job.
"Brazil's elimination is a big blow for South American football, but we must think about ourselves, we are so happy to have qualified."
Argentina and Croatia lock horns at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday, 13 December.
