Only one step separates Lionel Messi from a #FIFAWorldCup final ๐๐ฆ๐ท
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022
๐ Argentina's journey so far!
Argentina takes on Croatia in the first semifinal of the 2022 World Cup at the Lusail Stadium on Dec 13, on Tuesday at 2pm ET.
Argentina will play their sixth world cup semi-final while Croatia will play their third semi-final tonight.
It’s hard to believe, but this 64-game World Cup is nearly over. With 60 games completed, just four remain before the champion is crowned.
A place in the World Cup final is at stake as Argentina face Croatia, with both having triumphed in penalty shootouts in the quarter final.
Overview :
Croatia, after beating Brazil 4-2 in penalty shoot-outs, will meet Argentina that defeated the Netherlands 4-3 in penalty shoot-outs.
Having already sent one South American behemoth home from the World Cup, Croatia will be aiming to reach back-to-back finals when they lock horns with Argentina.
They are hoping to better their last World Cup performance when they lost to France in the final.
Croatia would be in elite company if they can reach the final – only Italy, the Netherlands and Germany have ever reached back-to-back finals
On the other hand, Argentina last won the World cup in 1986 after that it reached the final in 2014 World Cup but lost 1-0 to Germany.
In 2018 edition, it was ousted by France 4-3 in the Round of 16. Argentina have never been eliminated from the World Cup in the final four and have progressed to the final every time that they have got this far – the fifth and most recent of which came in the 2014 tournament before their heartbreaking defeat to Germany.
Argentina are unbeaten in #FIFAWorldCup Semi-finals ๐ฆ๐ท๐ช
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022
What happens today?
Head to Head :
Argentina and Croatia have played five matches so far while both the teams winning two matches each and one match is draw.
Argentina and Croatia have met twice before in the World Cup group stage, with La Albiceleste winning 1-0 in 1998,
They met again in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, with Croatia claiming a convincing 3-0 win.
Argentina could potentially reach the World Cup final for the sixth time in their history –
only Germany have bettered them in this regard with eight final appearances.
Possible Line-up :
Argentina XI : E Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, E Fernandez, De Paul, Mac Allister, Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez
Croatia XI : Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
๐ฆ๐ท Can Messi lead the way again in #WorldCupFantasy?#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022
Key players :
Argentina : Lionel Messi
Messi, likely playing at his final World Cup, is leading the charge for Argentina as he looks to add the trophy to his collection.
Aged 35, Messi is not at his peak, yet has produced some moments of magic to help Argentina reach this stage including four goals and a stunning assist in the quarterfinal.
This is his fifth finals for Argentina and a World Cup win is the one thing the other iconic Argentine number 10, Diego Maradona, won that Messi has not. Messi still has a chance.
Croatia : Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic
Like Messi, this will certainly be the last World Cup for Luka Modriฤ.
The Croatia captain aged 37, still play with the same energy as he used be in the last edition of the World Cup. His playmaking ability and calmness under pressure is a important factor for Croatia reaching the semifinal.
If it goes to penalties, both goalkeepers will be confident
Once more, after all these years.#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 13, 2022
Prediction :
Argentina have a more well-rounded balanced squad, Argentina have the cutting edge and mental resilience where Brazil failed in the last round. Croatia was lucky to survive and advance, but thatโs nothing new for this team. Brazilโs attack is much deeper and more complex than Argentinaโs, and Croatia was able to defeat them. Croatia has played extra-time in last two matches and the extra minutes will rejuvenate players and may just give Argentina the edge.
We say Argentina will win by 1-0 against Croatia.
Bet : Argentina are thought to be somewhat favorites in this match. As per Bookmakers ;
Argentina vs. Croatia Odds, Outrights, Over/Under
Match Result: Argentina (-125) | Draw (+230) | Croatia (+380)
Draw No Bet: Argentina (-350) | Croatia (+230)
Over/Under Goals: Over 2.5 (+135) | Under 2.5 (-190)
Date, Time & Venue :
Date : Tuesday, December 13
Kickoff Time : 2:00pm ET / 7:00 pm GMT
Location : At the Lusail Stadium
Live Streaming :
2pm ET on Fox for English, Telemundo for Spanish, FUBO Tv, fox sports app, FS1 and Telemundo
Live stream: FUBO TV (Try for free)