AL RAYYAN, Qatar — In a competition where games and fates are frequently determined by the finest of margins, and where those margins can feel agonizing and fraught—best to be avoided—two nations seem to have made themselves at home on the knife’s edge. It’s like they find strength in being inches from disaster.
“In this beautiful sport, even if you think you’ve sealed the game, you may get surprised again,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. ”I believe my team has the means, willingness, freshness and pride to face anything.”
Croatia captain Luka Modrić said, “We’ve shown mental strength and stability. … The most important thing is that we’re ready for anything.”
