Argentina vs Croatia – Semi-Final – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
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THE FACTS
When is Argentina vs Croatia on and what time does it start? Argentina vs Croatia will take place on Tuesday 13th December, 2022 – 19:00 (UK)
Where is Argentina vs Croatia taking place? Argentina vs Croatia will take place at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Argentina vs Croatia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Argentina vs Croatia
What channel is Argentina vs Croatia on in the UK? Argentina vs Croatia will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Argentina vs Croatia in the UK? Argentina vs Croatia can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
THE LOWDOWN
ARGENTINA
- Argentina blew a two-goal lead late on in their quarter-final clash with Netherlands but they were able to hold their nerve in the penalty shootout to overcome their opponents in an ill-tempered contest.
- The Argentines will be without defensive duo Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna after they both picked up bookings in that fiery clash, meaning they will be banned for this semi-final with Nicolas Tagliafico looking set to come into the starting XI.
CROATIA
- Croatia stunned pre-tournament favourites Brazil as they won a thrilling penalty shootout to book their spot in the semi-final, showing their battling qualities once again having gone behind in extra-time.
- The Croatians didn’t give in and forced penalties thanks to Bruno Petkovic’s leveller but it may not be enough to earn a start with Zlatko Dalic able to roll with the same side that started the win over Brazil.
THE TEAM NEWS
ARGENTINA
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Di Maria, Messi, Alvarez
UNAVAILABLE: Gonzalo Montiel (Suspended), Marcos Acuna (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Alejandro Gomez (Injured), Rodrigo De Paul (Injured), Angel Di Maria (Injured)
CROATIA
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Argentina have been successful in each of their previous four FIFA World Cup semi-final ties (1930, 1986, 1990 and 2014). They won their two most recent World Cup semi-finals on penalties (v Italy in 1990 and v Netherlands in 2014)
- Argentina have lost only one of their last 41 international matches (W28 D12)
- Argentina have scored two goals in each of their last four matches at Qatar 2022
- Argentina have scored the first goal in each of their five matches at Qatar 2022
- Lionel Messi has joined Gabriel Batistuta as joint all-time top goalscorer for Argentina in FIFA World Cup matches with 10 goals
- Lionel Messi will join Lothar Matthäus as joint record appearance-maker in FIFA World Cup history if he plays here in what would be his 25th match
- The quarter-final, was Argentina's sixth penalty shootout in FIFA World Cup history and their fifth victory - both more than any other team
- Eight of Argentina’s last 14 World Cup knockout stage matches against European nations have required extra-time
- This is Croatia’s third FIFA World Cup semi-final tie. They won one and lost one of the previous two (L 2-1 v France in 1998 and W 2-1 v England (aet) in 2018)
- Croatia have lost only one of their last 12 FIFA World Cup matches (W5 D6)
- Croatia have lost only one of their last 21 international matches (W12 D8)
- Croatia have been successful in eight of their ten FIFA World Cup knockout stage ties
- Five of Croatia’s last six FIFA World Cup knockout stage matches have gone into extra-time
- Croatia have won all four penalty shootouts that they have been involved in FIFA World Cup history
- Croatia have conceded the first goal in three of their last four matches at Qatar 2022
- Croatia have only failed to score in two of their last 16 FIFA World Cup matches
- The head-to-head record between Argentina and Croatia in their previous five meetings is even, with one draw and two wins apiece. They have one win each in their two FIFA World Cup encounters, both in the group stage, Argentina won 1-0 in 1998 and Croatia claimed a 3-0 victory in 2018
THE PREDICTION
Argentina and Croatia both prevailed in their respective penalty shootouts in the quarter-finals and this could be another close affair as the pair do battle for a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina were the better side for the vast majority of their game with the Netherlands but switched off late on as they failed to deal with an aerial bombardment. For Croatia, they did a solid job of nullifying Brazil but will now have to do the same with Lionel Messi. The Croatians are more than capable of progressing here but the Argentines have improved as the tournament has progressed and they should have the quality to overcome their opponents in this one.
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