It’s Argentina’s turn to try and push Croatia into Fifa’s Big Vat O’ Molten Metal

Luka Modric there, somehow getting closer and closer without ever picking up speed. Photograph: Shutterstock

HRVATSKA LA VISTA

It says plenty about Croatia’s ongoing ability to punch above their weight that, of the nations ready to contest the Human Rights World Cup semi-finals, it is Morocco, a country with a population more than nine times higher than the homeland of Luka Modric and pals, who are considered the plucky little runts of the last four litter. While the Atlas Lions have continued to amaze on a deceptively serene route to the semis that has seen them concede just one goal, few seasoned football-watchers seem even remotely surprised to see Croatia still in the last four mix because … well, because they are Croatia.