World Cup Semi-Finals Preview: Argentina v Croatia

Argentina v Netherlands

Croatia v Brail

Both these sides were taken to penalty shootouts in their respective quarter-final wins, and a similar outcome could be on the cards here. Argentina looked to be progressing comfortably against the Netherlands when a Lionel Messi spot kick put them 2-0 up with 15 mins remaining before a spirited comeback by the Dutch. Beginning when substitute Wout Weghorst netted on 83 mins, it was completed in the 10th minute of injury time when he added his second of the game after a well-planned free-kick routine. One might have worried for Argentina after this setback, but the South Americans are made of sterner stuff, and they were desperately unlucky not to avoid the lottery of penalties, having totally dominated extra time. However, they kept their calm better than the Dutch in the shootout when it came to penalties. Angel Di Maria was sprung from the bench in extra time, and he may return to the starting lineup. Messi continues to be the man at the heart of everything they do, and keeping him under wraps will be essential to Croatia’s progress.

Croatia are looking to qualify for their second successive World Cup final, having sent favourites Brazil packing in their quarter-final via a penalty shootout. That looked unlikely as Brazil had led 1-0 thanks to a fine Neymar strike deep into extra time, with Croatia failing to register a shot on target in 117 mins of game time. That mattered little, though, when Bruno Petkovic drew them level with their first meaningful effort of the game. Four perfect spot-kicks later, Luka Modric and co. had progressed to the semis. The Croat’s game plan will likely keep things tight and frustrate Argentina, as they did to Brazil. Modric is a constant shining light for Croatia and is ably assisted by fellow veteran Ivan Perisic. We could be in for another long night, but the Messi fairytale will remain a possibility after a tense 120 mins of action.

Prediction:
Argentina 2-1 Croatia AET