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If you ask any football fan before the World Cup what one of the possible semifinal matches is, few will say Argentina vs. Croatia.
This clash is a possible outcome for many Xgtiger Casino players. However, this draw will draw attention, how these two sides have reached this point in the competition. Croatia managed to survive two thrillers, while Argentina had to overcome a resurgent Netherlands squad in the quarterfinals.
Both teams feature quality players, so even the most neutral fan can expect cutting passes, daring tackles and spectacular saves. This section will break down the key players, possible results, and betting odds ahead of this highly anticipated game.
Argentina: Will Messi Continue His Domination?
Lionel Messi has led La Albiceleste for more than a decade, and he has shown his class in the past few years. Expect him to lead the charge against Croatia as they try to make their second World Cup finals in three tournaments.
Argentina had a close shave against the Netherlands after blowing a 2-0 lead ten minutes before the end of normal time. They were comfortably ahead after the 70th minute when Messi converted his penalty against Dutch keeper Andries Noppert, the same keeper who claimed Messi had also missed a penalty a few days before the game.
After neither team converted the goals in extra time, Argentina went into their first penalty shootout of the tournament. Messi stepped up first and coolly scored his goal in front of legions of delighted Argentina fans.
The rest of the Albiceleste also stepped up to the plate. Emiliano Martinez saved attempts from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis. Enzo Fernandez gave Argentina a scare after his shot was narrowly missed. Fortunately, Leandro Paredes, Gonzalo Montiel, and Lautaro Martinez scored their spot kicks to send Argentina to a top-four finish.
Messi will be the main focus of the Croat defense when the game starts at the Lusail Stadium. He has been very prolific throughout the World Cup, notching four goals and two assists in five starts. Zlatko Dalic probably has two to three men guarding the PSG forward whenever he has the ball in their half.
Lionel Scaloni should use this intense focus on Messi to bring more bodies forward and score. Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Julian Alvarez should convert any chances Messi creates for them.
Croatia: Can They Force Another Marathon?
Look at Croatia’s current run since the last World Cup: you can see that they enjoy playing draw-out matches against high caliber competition. All knockout matches won by the Vatreni in the previous two World Cups were settled either on penalties or extra time.
Their most recent victory, a gut-wrenching penalty shootout against Brazil, was an on-brand win for the Croats. They were able to stop Neymar in his tracks and blunt the flanks of Brazil’s attack. Any Canarinho shots on goal were immediately neutralized by Dalic’s 4-4-2.
Dominik Livakovic was once again Croatia’s man of the hour in this shootout. He stopped Rodrygo’s penalty on the right to set the tone for Vatreni. Nikola Vlasic, Luka Modric, and Mislav Orsic scored their penalties to send Croatia to their third semifinal appearance.
Modric will be highly motivated to get back to the finals and finish the job they have failed to achieve in the past. The 37-year-old may be past his creative best, but he is still the rock solid center around which the Croatian national team is built.
The rest of the squad will be equally hungry to win it all. Dejan Lovren will do everything to stop Messi. Ivan Perisic will continue to be a creative outlet from the left wingback position.
A Duel of Two Watchmen
Goalkeepers are not usually the stars of football matches. However, this World Cup proved that you need quality keepers to enter the competition. Argentina and Croatia have in-form shot-stoppers who can change the flow of the game with one save.
Livakovic may need help from the post to win the shootout. However, the fact that Marquinhos crumbled under pressure is a testament to just how good a Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper can be. Livakovic said after the match that Croatia was a squad of fighters, but few could match the amount of fight the 6’1” goalie showed.
Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez has been the toast of many Argentine football fans in Qatar. His energy on the pitch was contagious, with some football analysts delighted at how he celebrated after saving two of the Netherlands’ shot attempts.
Argentina vs. Predictions Croatia
Most Argentina vs Croatia betting sees this as a sure win for the Albiceleste. However, Croatia’s win over Brazil reminded fans that they shouldn’t count on Vatreni in high-pressure situations.
Argentina win this game if Messi can run free through Croatia’s trees. His offensive firepower is always a furious threat, and his influence on the pitch will force at least one Croatia defender to run out of position for his teammates to push and score. If everything goes Messi’s way, Argentina will run away with a 2-1 win.
However, Croatia will push Argentina’s attack to the limit. Given how well they silenced the Japanese and Brazilian attackers, they will do everything they can to stop Messi and company from scoring.
If they can get into the penalty shootout, they have a better chance of winning. The pressure on Argentina’s shoulders to bring Messi to the finals could be too much to handle.
Argentina vs. Croatia Betting Odds
Xgtiger Casino odds also favor La Albiceleste. However, the smart bettor should also look at Croatia’s odds for a better chance of winning.
The 1X2 market predicts that Argentina will easily travel to Croatia, with Vatreni at 4.35 odds. However, history sees any bet in Croatia as a good investment. The 1X2 halftime market also looks at things that end nil-nil.
Meanwhile, the disability market strongly favors Croatia. Given how their last two knockout games ended in penalty shootouts, betting on Croatia with a +0.5 handicap is a sure win. Meanwhile, the Over/Under market does not favor either side scoring in the first half and both getting a goal to push the game into extra time.
If you are looking for punts to include in your online sports parlay bets, the recommended punts are a Draw in the 1X2 market; Croatia is a great shout in the Handicap; Over 2 Goals in Over/Under need is a winning bet.
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Frequently asked questions
Livaković had shined in goal this tournament. But an unrelenting Argentina offense and some Croatian defensive lapses proved to be too much. The beautiful tandem of Messi and Álvarez had one more sparkling moment against Croatia.
