The first of this year’s World Cup semi-finals sees Argentina, seeking to reach their sixth final, face Croatia, who are aiming to get there back-to-back.
Many were hoping that this game would be a Superclásico de las Américas, but Croatia were more than happy to shatter those dreams. On Friday, Zlatko Dalić’s team dumped out Brazil, forcing penalties thanks to Bruno Petković’s 117th minute equaliser.
Dominik Livaković denied Rodrygo from 12 yards so, with Croatia converting all four of their spot-kicks, when Marquinhos hit the post, the upset was complete. Eight of the Blazers’ nine knockout matches this century have gone to extra time, the sole exception being the 2018 final.
So, Argentina should be prepared to go the distance, as they did in their own quarter-final clash with Netherlands.
La Albiceleste looked set to cruise through, only for Holland to equalise in the 11th minute of additional time. In their shootouts, it was a tale of two Martínezs; Emi made two saves, before Lautaro cooly converted the crucial kick.
So, the reigning Copa América and Finalissima winners are now just two games away from lifting the silverware they truly crave. These two have met twice before at World Cups; Argentina won 1-0 at France ‘98, with Croatia running out 3-0 winners four years ago.
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📰 Table Of Contents
Argentina vs Croatia Bet Builder
Over 2.5 cards ☑️
Argentina Over 3.5 corners ☑️
Marcelo Brozović to make 1 or more fouls ☑️
Rodrigo De Paul to make 1 or more fouls ☑️
Lionel Messi 2 or more shots target ☑️
The first of the World Cup Semi-Final’s see Argentina face Croatia, the two sides met in the 2018 World Cup with the European side running out 3-0 winners.
Expect a much closer affair this time with a cagey affair in order as is the case with most semi-finals. Both teams have committed plenty of fouls this tournament and I don’t really expect that to change here, if anything I expect it to increase with the magnitude of the game.
Both Marcelo Brozović and Rodrigo De Paul average 1.4 and 1.35 fouls per game. Both players in the heat of the battle in midfield with plenty of technical players around them on opposite sides which should result in at least one foul each.
The two teams combined cards average is 3 per game but as we’ve mentioned, this is a high-pressure high stakes game with everything on the line for both teams.
Argentina average 4.9 corners for per game and should have their fair share here with them being the favourites and Croatia a side who do like to defend and defend very well.
Messi, this is it for him if he wants to complete everything in world football and he’s already popped up with a few important goals this tournament. Obviously, he takes free kicks and penalties too which should add to his chances of shots on target. He has averaged 2.46 shots on target per game for Argentina.
To conclude we predict a cagey match with plenty of little fouls and a game which could really go either way. Argentina obviously has the star quality which may just prove the difference in the end.
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