it’s a dance Free expression, even if structured with specific movements. Although the variations of the tango are innumerable. That is, so many aspects of each expression, so many emotions of each dancer. Just sure, just sure it takes two to dance Always and only two.

With the movements of one complementary to the movements of the other. The core should move first, the legs should follow to brace, but with strides that can vary in pace, time, direction, and tone. Depending on the music or sometimes forcing a change in melody.

Abrazo says in the home of tango, in the beds of La Plata, the only enforced rule: embrace. This is how the dance begins, this is how it continues, this is how the dance ends. How tight, how close, how closed will this abrazo be, this embrace of the couple, subjective, taste perfect. Usually, but not necessarily.

But always hug.

Whether it’s danced in the brothels of Buenos Aires, where tango first began at the end of the 18th century Century, so that guests can offer an additional sensation – budget or not – to the spirits of visitors everywhere.

Whether dancing on a grass floor. Not with (heeled) heels on their feet or guided by the dancers’ tied hands to show the closeness of the Abrazo and the precision, the harmony of their movements, but with hexatapa. Two constant dancers, despite ten times the crowd on the dance floor.

You only set the melody now. With the orchestra just to present and follow. Yes, complementing each other’s movements, always in harmony, but now on the contrary, looking for cunning, dominance. They dance together, they attract attention, they entertain, they satisfy the senses of those who see them, but their purpose is no longer aesthetic.

The expression remains, but with overflowing instinct. They don’t expect and don’t want to please the visitors and viewers, let alone each other. They seek relaxation while dancing, but their goal, their end in itself, is victory. It always was. No matter how many times they found themselves on such a trail.

Since then, first spring day 2006, in a friendly match. One at 19, the other at 22. Both long-haired characters that fit the scene and were then – and from now on – built up. The smaller Latino took six minutes to celebrate. International for the first time. The Balkans first in that first meeting, in that maiden dance, was the international participation.

Sixteen years have passed. They met another 26 times, 22 of them in the Clasico. Polar opposites by definition. Barcelona one, Real the other. In those 22, it was the Croatian who prevailed the most (12). Many on the planet excelling in the overall fight with the Argentine these years shouldn’t (shouldn’t) exist.

Four years ago, at the previous World Cup, the Croatian celebrated again. It was he who then went on and reached the final game of the tournament. Then they danced in groups. Tonight (12/13, 21:00, ANT1, ANT1+ and LIVE Sportish)their new date will decide who gets another chance to play in a second final in their career.

Neither of them won. 14 the Argentine lost him. ’18 the Croatian. Both have been appointed tournament directors, but as I said, they don’t dance to please, they dance to win. And they couldn’t earn what they crave, so what does one – another – individual recognition tell them?

Another opportunity for them to claim it initially, the one thing they don’t have, biological football, to pursue further is unlikely to be given to them. In order to maintain the current chance they have created for themselves again, they must fight back. Dance. Face to face. Anticipating each other’s steps, following in each other’s footsteps, dominating each other’s figures.

It is not possible otherwise. Then as now and always, as long as they wear a coat of arms, with the 10 on their back. Two of just four players have won the Ballon d’Or since their debut on the international stage in that friendly on the first day of March 2006, led by the Argentinian (7), but this Croatian comes right after what he did at the previous World Cup has done.

One is running now at 36. The other at 38. But with thirst you seem even older than their youth. Crossing even the bounds of the holy race with overflowing faith. Otherwise, it is not possible to cover and replenish what decreases over time. But the Abrazo is always closed, regardless of the year. More closed than ever tonight. To press.

Lionel Messi and Luka Modric, another such, won’t be back.

dance

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