FIFA World Cup Tips and Previews, Semi Finals
Argentina vs. Croatia
December 14
After both enduring long, dramatic, drawn-out quarter-finals, it will be fascinating to see how these nations back it up in the semi-final.
Both teams are used to going deep into the World Cup, with Croatia fresh from their runners-up finish in 2018. They have an experienced team of assured players who have already achieved what many thought impossible – defeating Brazil.
Luka Modric has been solid rather than spectacular this tournament, but this game may be his time to shine, while Marcelo Brozovic will also be a vital part of any Croatian hopes. Bruno Petkovic could be rewarded for his late goal after coming off the bench in the Brazilian win and should, in all likelihood, be in the starting 11. He is a major scoring threat for Zlatko Dalic’s team that is almost at full strength but for the injury to defender Josip Stanisic.
Argentina is the firm favourite to win this one, but there are a few areas of concern. A lack of discipline almost cost them dearly late in the win over the Netherlands, and with Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel out after being carded, they are weakened in their line-up.
But all that may be splitting hairs when analysing a team with the mercurial Lionel Messi up forward. Messi’s temperament and touch have been a class above any of his opponents so far and will again be on show here with a significant contribution from Lautaro Martinez.
As his final ever World Cup draws to a close, Messi is seemingly playing near his best and should be a critical difference in this match, with Argentina to win through.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Argentina -0.5 at $1.75
Lautaro Martinez to score at $3
Lionel Messi to score at $2.20
France vs. Morocco
December 15
Morocco has been the giant slayer of this World Cup, defeating Spain and Portugal in its last two games to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. A bold, confident, united team, the Moroccans have now set their sights on their biggest scalp. Sofyan Amrabat has been vital in their midfield, setting up numerous attacks, while Youssef En-Nesyri is their significant scoring threat and will be closely guarded by the French team.
Yassine Bounou has been one of the best goalkeepers in this World Cup, but he will have his work cut out for him against a star-studded French attack, namely Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe. That pair has done anything they please so far and will be prominent again in the semi-final.
Les Bleus has plenty of depth, with Aurélien Tchouameni as another scoring option, as we saw in the win over England. If there is any shortcoming, it may be in defence, which struggled to contain England, and there could be changes afoot there. As charming as Morocco’s run has been, France does have their measure and should progress to the final.
