Argentina take on the Croatia in the semifinals of FIFA World Cup 2022. The match will be played on Tuesday, December 13th at Lusail Iconic Stadium (Lusail).
Argentina are well aware that this is the last chance for Messi to catch up with Maradona in terms of victories with the national team at the maximum level. No wonder Lionel was so wound up after the duel with the Netherlands: he quarreled with Davids, provoked van Gaal, “ran into” Wegorst in front of journalists. But it can be understood: the national team, despite the fact that the leader himself gave an assist and a goal, managed to lose the advantage of 2 goals, once again showing that, while attacking well, they have problems conceding in response. Saudi Arabia in the group defeated them sensationally, Australia made them nervous, and with the Netherlands it came to a penalty shootout. Fortunately, now the “sky blues” have not only Messi in order to disperse and finish attacks, but also their keeper Martinez. He also drags in the playoffs: he made a “save” at the end of the duel with the “socceroos”, and won the series against the “oranges”, famously pulling a couple of blows.
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Croatia in 2018 were worthy of reaching the final of the World Cup, where they lost to France with a fight. According to many, over the past 4 years, the team has become weaker, too many leaders have left, while others have aged. The new names, however, did not seem to impress against the background of those who needed to be replaced. On the other hand, Zlatko Dalic had enough time to hone and build a new variant. If everything ended at the Euro in the 1/8 finals, then in the summer there was a victorious Nations League. In Qatar, Croats are masters at getting things done. They do not shine, there was only 1 victory in the group (4-1over an clear underdog) with a couple of goalless draws. In the playoffs, there was an identical scenario at all, with modest Japan, and with the favorite not only of the match, but of the entire tournament - Brazil. Conceding first, both times the “checkered” had time to recoup. Including, in extra time, with “pentacampeons”. But, of course, the main character, at the moment - of course, Dominik Livakovich. Quite experienced, although not particularly famous, the goalkeeper beat the Brazilians records in the number of “saves”. And, most importantly, twice already, both in 1/8 and in 1/4, he won the penalty shootout.
So far, the head-to-head record is equal. They have won twice each in their 4th bout, once each in a friendly match and at the World Championships. But if the Croats in 1998 lost minimally, then 20 years later they took revenge, defeating the opponent 3-0. Judging by the odds, Latin Americans are waiting for the victory in a rather boring game. But they themselves can score repeatedly, and the Croats know how to snap, fight back. We recommend betting on “total over 2.0 goals scored”.
Prediction for the match: Over 2.0 scored goals.
