Argentina – Croatia

Modric’s team could surprise again. Croatia will be difficult to beat

Argentina and Croatia will play each other in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. The Argentines scored six points in the group stage, beating Mexico 2-0 and Poland before losing 1-2 to Saudi Arabia. In the playoffs, the Argentines went on to score two goals each. They started off by scoring twice against Australia before conceding the equaliser and then continued to score against the Netherlands before conceding the equaliser and surrendering a penalty shoot-out to force a semi-final berth (4-3). In the second round of the 2022 World Cup group stage, Croatia thrashed Canada 4-1, the only win in regulation time for the European side. Croatia beat Japan in the penalty shoot-out in the 1/8 finals and Brazil in the quarter-finals. What to expect in the upcoming encounter? Croatia knocked out one top team from South America and fell to the other. The Checkers have a very tough schedule, but so far Luka Modric and company have coped. The sensational victory over Brazil has, of course, changed the balance of power in the Mundial. The bookmakers have already tallied the odds, and Argentina, with Croatia standing in their way, are the new favourites for the 2022 World Cup. The Argentines themselves know that Modric should not be trifled with. The last meeting with the Croats was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Then Messi and company lost 0-3 in the group stage. The Albiceleste have an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves for that defeat. Both teams reached the semi-finals with the same weapon - a rehearsed penalty shoot-out. Goalkeepers Dominic Livakovic and Emiliano Martinez were brilliant at repelling the 11-metre penalty shoot-out. Amidst the accumulated fatigue and incredible nerves, everyone realised that we were unlikely to see a celebration of attacking football in the semi-finals. On one side is the brilliant Lionel Messi, on the other the magnificent Luka Modrić. Both can come up with some masterpiece. There can be no risk in the semi-final match. The teams will play as close and cautiously as possible. A penalty shoot-out is not ruled out. Nobody is definitely afraid of a penalty shoot-out. The bookmakers believe Argentina are the favourites. Messi will give his best to play in the final, but Croatia will not give up so easily. We can bet on the European team to win with a handicap (+1).