IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Morocco, played at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.

Croatia's defeat meant this could be the end of the road for Luka Modric as far as his international career is concerned.

Some of Argentina's most passionate fans can be found in towns and cities across football-crazy Kerala.

When stars travel, they make lovely pictures on social media.

'I feel very happy, to be able to achieve this, to finish my World Cup journey by playing my last game in a final'

This is Argentina's 6th final and their second shot at the trophy in the last two attempts. They were beaten by Germany in the 2014 final.

'We were aware that if we didn't win it would be more complicated.'

These heart-rendering moments were grace personified and will stay in the memory of every football fan, irrespective of allegiances.

The intricate play and tight triangles Croatia were attempting only had to falter in a tiny way, and when they did Argentina were ready to pounce.

IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia played at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday.

"To say I'll be happy for Argentina (if they win), that will not be true, it would be a lie, I will not be a hypocrite," Ronaldo said in an interview with the Spanish daily Marca.

The French fans will be largely outnumbered by the Morocco supporters

Croatia were not the favourites to reach the last four again but they came through two penalty shootouts in a repeat of their 2018 exploits.

Asked to rate Croatia's success in the past four years, Dalic said the 2018 semi-final win over England was so far their biggest match.

In the 21 editions of the World Cup over 92 years featuring 79 nations, there have still been only eight winners and only 13 have made it to the final. Spain were the last to join the elite group of champions in 2010 after France in 1998 and Argentina in 1978.

'I'm not worried but we know they beat big teams to get there and we're going to take it seriously. It's not a surprise to see them here anymore. They deserve to be here.'

The stadiums at Qatar offer plenty of wisdom and chutzpah on how to take our own lives forward.

"Mateo, Luka and Marcelo are the best Croatia midfield in history. I don't think it can be repeated. When you pass them the ball it is safer than having your money in the bank," the defender said.

The comparison with Maradona for the title of the greatest Argentine player of all time cannot be complete without a world title, which the late Maradona won almost single-handedly 36 years ago.

"We've once again shown the rest of the world that English football is healthy and we've got some players not only for now but for the future as well."

"There are other steps and it starts on Wednesday. Let's be happy with what we've done tonight even if it's not enough. At least we broke the (defending champions') curse," he added.

The schedule of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The team may be able to rely on Real Madrid's young trio of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eder Militao and Premier League rising stars Bruno Guimaraes, Antony and Gabriel Martinelli, among others.

The 71-year-old, who has battled with cancer over the last year, concluded his third spell as the Netherlands coach with their penalty shootout loss and will be replaced by Ronald Koeman.

Instagram model Ivana Knoll has appeared at every Croatian game at the FIFA World Cup to support her country, always in hot outfits, thwarting Qatar's modesty laws.

The Aston Villa 'keeper saved three penalties in the 2021 Copa America semi-final and Argentina went on to lift the trophy. Now he's stopped two more in a World Cup quarter-final and this could just be a good omen for Messi!

The most notable aspect of both 2022 shootouts was the shockingly poor quality of the kicks.

Brazil are going home empty handed after they suffered yet another heartbreaking World Cup exit to a European rival -- and the quarter-final defeat by Croatia will hurt as they let victory slip through their fingers just three minutes from the final whistle.

Brazil's Neymar said on Friday he was unsure if he would play again for the national team after their heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia on penalties.

Lionel Messi says Argentina have felt the presence of the late, great Diego Maradona throughout their World Cup campaign, including on Friday when they beat the Netherlands on penalties to reach the semi-finals.

IMAGES from the FIFA World Cup quarter-final played between Argentina and The Netherlands on Friday.

'I'm very proud of the boys and what we've done, but unfortunately, it's part of football. When we lose something important that we had as a goal, it hurts a lot.'

Gritty Croatia came back from 1-0 in extra-time to claim a 4-2 penalty shootout victory and with it a spot in the semi-finals.

Neymar had scored late in the first half of extra time to give Brazil the lead, but Croatia equalised when Bruno Petkovic scored in the 117th.

Images from the FIFA World Cup Quarter-final match between Croatia and Brazil on Friday.

Neymar scored in extra time against Croatia

In the last two World Cup meetings between Argentina and the Netherlands, in the group stage in 2006 and a semi-final in 2014 which the Albiceleste won on penalties, neither side was able to score a goal in normal or extra time.

Morocco will no doubt revel in another opportunity to thrive as underdogs

The 33-year-old centre back Lovren has faced Neymar on three occasions and lost every time, with the unstoppable Brazilian scoring four goals against him.

Neymar will have extra motivation against Croatia, as he is one goal away from equalling Pele's record