After a cracking few weeks of action, we’re down to the World Cup final four. We’ve previewed the upcoming tie between Argentina and Croatia, providing our best betting tips from the latest football odds.
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Argentina vs Croatia
Tuesday 13th December, 7pm
Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail
Argentina vs Croatia Football Preview
Argentina’s quarter-final battle with the Netherlands was one for the ages. A last-minute equaliser, penalty shootout drama and 17 cards handed out by the referee. Lionel Scaloni’s side got over the line, but will face another incredibly tough test against 2018 runners-up Croatia on Tuesday night.
Croatia have built their World Cup campaign on defensive solidity. They stayed in the game right until the very end against Brazil, managing to nick a late extra time equaliser and hold their nerve during penalties.
Croatia are yet to concede more than once in any of their five World Cup matches thus far. This is a record they will likely need to extend if they are to stand any chance of progressing to a second successive final. Although confident at the back, Croatia have failed to find the net within 90 minutes in three of their games. We expect to see more of the same, with Croatia looking to contain Argentina and largely playing for set-pieces and the odd counter-attack.
Argentina simply cannot afford to go a goal down against this Croatia team – it would give them reason to retreat even further. If they can take the lead, it should force Croatia to be more expansive, opening the game up for Argentina to exploit with their attacking talent.
Argentina vs Croatia Football Odds
It perhaps comes as no surprise to see Argentina as heavy 1.80 favourites. Croatia are 5.30 underdogs, but they thrive as the underdog. There’s every chance they can take this to extra time once again, with odds of 3.35 tempting for a tie in 90 minutes.
The bookies aren’t expecting goals. Under 2.5 goals is at 1.57, with under 1.5 goals (2.70) providing good value should you think a single goal will decide things. Lionel Messi (4.10) is once again leading the odds to break the deadlock, followed by his compatriots Lautaro Martinez (6.00), Julian Alvarez (6.80) and Paulo Dybala (7.60).
World Cup Semi-Final Betting Tips
Argentina win to nil – 2.52
We can see a low scoring Argentina win. As long as they can match Croatia from set-pieces, they shouldn’t be caused too many problems at the back, and they have the talent to carve out a chance or two at the other end.
Draw – 3.35
A draw is tempting. Despite being undefeated at the World Cup, four of Croatia’s five games have ended in draws. They will set up to defend and will look to frustrate the Argentine attack. Could we be in for some more extra time or penalty shootout drama?
Messi first goalscorer – 4.10
You could argue he’s been the best player at the World Cup. He has four goals and two assists to his name already, and he will be key once again in unlocking the Croatia defence.
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