Argentina vs Croatia: Betting preview, best bets & predictions

Argentina vs Croatia

The World Cup Semi-Finals are upon us. Croatia’s stern defensive effort proved too much for Brazil and next up on their Christmas list is Argentina. Lionel Messi’s moments of magic continue to be the difference, but does Croatia have the antidote?

How to watch Argentina vs Croatia

When: Argentina vs Croatia, Tuesday December 13th, 2022
Where: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
Kickoff: 2PM EST, 7PM GMT
How to watch: ITV1 (or ITV Hub) (UK) Fox, Telemundo (US)

Argentina vs Croatia betting odds

Moneyline: Argentina: -115 | Draw +245 | Croatia +370

Argentina vs Croatia betting preview

These two teams could not be any more different coming into this game. Croatia played rock-solid defensively against Brazil, forced their way back into the game with an extremely late goal and powered their way through on penalties. Argentina, meanwhile, almost choked a 2-0 lead over the Netherlands thanks to 20 minutes of heroics from Weghorst and company, but were able to scrape through on penalties. The Dutch proved to the world that Argentina can be beaten, but can Croatia pick up the blueprint and do something spectacular with it?

Croatia’s ferocity on the international stage has to be admired. They’re forever taking big teams to extra time and beyond, and did exactly that against Brazil. The Netherlands looked toothless in attack for the majority of the game until it was too late, but Croatia’s physical style of play and hungry mentality may present more of a direct challenge to this Argentina team.

Speaking of Argentina, there is so much talk of this being Lionel Messi’s year purely because of how well he’s playing. The talk isn’t wrong, either. The seven-time Balon d’Or winner has been nothing short of electric this World Cup and Argentina would’ve likely faced an early exit without him.

Argentina will be without both of their starting wing backs again due to suspension, meaning that Molins and Tagliafico should both get some more game time. Molina scored against the Netherlands and assisted in their win over Poland. He’ll be a player that Croatia needs to watch extremely closely. It’s easy to focus on Messi the magician, but Argentina does feature some dangerous players across the board, which is why they’ve been able to score in every game so far this tournament. In fact, they’ve scored two in every game, putting even more emphasis on a crisp defensive effort from Croatia.

Argentina vs Croatia betting pick

I honestly really like Croatia here. This isn’t their first rodeo in a World Cup semi-final. They were here four years ago and these players are now well-versed in how to navigate such treacherous waters. Their ‘never give up’ mentality has to be admired and if there is ever a team to really stop Messi, it’s the likes of Modric and Brozovic, who are more than familiar with his play. I don’t think they win it in 90 minutes, but Croatia to qualify would be my pick.