Argentina vs Croatia
FIFA World Cup
Semi-Final
13th December 2022
Lusail Iconic Stadium
Argentina vs Croatia: Preview
The first of the semi-finals will take place at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday. While, Argentina were considered favourites to lift the trophy prior to the tournament’s beginning. Following the shocking opening fixture against Saudi Arabia, they have done well to progress to the final four.
Their opponents meanwhile, despite ending runners-up last time around, had to pull off upsets in every stage of the knockouts. This contest will be touted as LM 10 (Lionel Messi of Argentina) vs LM 10 (Luca Modric of Croatia). There is no doubt that the Argentines led by one of the GOATs are favourites for this fixture and Croatia are the outsiders once again.
Argentina
The South Americans’ obvious strength lies in their attacking prowess, led by a certain veteran. This attack is capable of wreaking havoc into any defence. It would be a surprise if they fail to score. The side has also won numerous set pieces in dangerous positions.
However, Argentina has shown an inability to protect the lead throughout the tournament. They also tend to slow down in the latter parts of the game. Hence, their best bet is to see off the fixture within regulation time.
Croatia
It is clear as day that Croatia’s strength lies in its defence. The centre-back duo of Dejan Lovren and Josko Gvardiol has been second to none in the tournament. Dominik Livaković has been a rock at the back and is surely in the running for the golden glove.
Despite an ageing squad, they have managed to control huge teams for 120+ minutes. This side will certainly have the edge if the contest goes into penalties or even extra-time.
Prediction
Only an average of 1.40 goals have been scored in regulation time of Croatia’s fixtures in the tournament. While the average scoreline of Argentina’s fixture is still under three a game. Hence expect a low scoring game.
Messi’s side have narrowly edged past oppositions, thanks mostly to late goals. However, Is ee enough solidity in their opposition’s defence to take the contest into extra time.
Argentina vs Croatia: Odds
Under 2.5 goals @ 1.64 odds.
Full time result: Draw @ 3.50 odds.
Correct score: 1-1 @ 7.00 odds.
