BEVERLY HILLS (CNS) - Telemundo's Spanish-language coverage of today's Argentina-Croatia 2018 FIFA World Cup game will be shown live on a movie- size screen at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills.
The telecast is set to begin at 11 a.m. Admission is free. Paley Center members receive preferred seating.
Games throughout the tournament will be shown at the Paley Center. Games that include a Spanish-speaking nation will be shown in Spanish.
The game from Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, which was known as Gorky from 1932-90, is the second in the tournament for both teams.
“The match against Argentina is the easiest game for us at the World Cup, because we have three points and we play against big opponent,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said. “We have nothing to lose in that game. I'll tell my players before the start of the game just to enjoy the spectacle.”
Croatia defeated Nigeria, 2-0, Saturday on an own goal in the 32nd minute and captain Luka Modric's 71st-minute penalty kick. Argentina tied Iceland, 1-1, Saturday, with both goals coming in the first 23 minutes.
Led by forward Lionel Messi, who has been selected as The Best FIFA Men's Player a record-tying five times, Argentina is fifth in the rankings compiled by FIFA, soccer's international governing body. Croatia is ranked 20th.
“For me, he is the best player in the world,” Dalic said. “There is no chance of keeping him quiet.”
Argentina, known as La Albiceleste, which translates to white and sky blue, was the 2014 World Cup runner-up and champion in 1978 and 1986.
Argentina is 4-2-1 since Oct. 10, including a 2-1-1 record in 2018. Its roster consists of five players who play for club teams in Italy, four each in Argentina and England, three in Spain, two each in France and Portugal and one each in China, Mexico and Netherlands.
Croatia has played in five of six World Cups since first becoming eligible for the 1998 tournament. Its best finish was in 1998 when it was third. It has not advanced past the group stage since then.
Croatia, known as Vatreni, meaning The Blazers, is 0-4 against South American teams in the World Cup.
Croatia is 5-2-1 since Oct. 9, 3-2 in 2018. Its roster consists of six players who play in Italy, four each in Germany and Spain, two in Croatia, and one each in Austria, Belgium, England, France, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.
Messi and Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic are teammates with FC Barcelona.
“We live in the time of YouTube and all other things. Everything is known about him,” Rakitic said. “It is difficult to give some secret about him to my coach. He is the best player in the world and it is almost impossible to block him.”
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