World Cup 2022 Argentina v Croatia preview

Argentina v Croatia World Cup guide – the fixtures, results, team news and odds

Argentina held their nerve to beat the Netherlands on penalties in a dramatic quarter-final that saw ‘La Albiceleste’ allow a two-goal lead to slip in the closing stages.

Goals from Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi looked to have booked their semi-final spot, but a late double from super sub Wout Weghorst forced the tie into extra time, then penalties.

Dutch pair Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis had their penalties saved by Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, before Lautaro Martinez struck the decisive blow for Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Croatia also sealed their semi-final place with a penalty shootout win over tournament favourites Brazil. After a goalless 90 minutes, Neymar put Tite’s team in front with an intricate passing move that he started and finished.

But with just three minutes of extra time to play, Bruno Petkovic equalised for Croatia and sent the game to penalties. Zlatko Dalic’s men scored four in a row, but Rodrygo saw his spot kick saved by Dominik Livakovic, before Marquinhos saw his effort strike the post to eliminate Brazil.

When is Argentina v Croatia at the 2022 World Cup?

Argentina’s World Cup semi-final with Croatia takes place at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail on Tuesday, 13th December. Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT.

This will just be the sixth meeting between the two nations and their third at a World Cup. Both sides have won twice each, while their first clash in 1994 ended in a goalless draw.

At World Cups, they both have recorded a victory. Both games have come in the group stage, with Argentina winning 1-0 in 1998, while in Russia four years ago, Croatia eased to a 3-0 victory.

Check out our detailed look at Argentina

What are the odds on Argentina v Croatia at the 2022 World Cup?

Argentina are favourites to win this World Cup semi-final in 90 minutes and are priced at 5/6 to do so. The 2018 runners-up, Croatia, are 15/4 to get the job done in normal time, while the game ending level and going into extra time is 9/4.

Zlatko Dalic’s side have already seen off Japan and tournament favourites Brazil on penalties. They’re 10/1 to win on spot kicks in Lusail. While they’re 7/4 to qualify.

Lionel Messi looks set to equal Lothar Matthaus’s record for World Cup appearances (25) if he plays in this game. The PSG forward is Argentina’s joint-highest scorer in the competition (10), four of them coming in Qatar. It’s 3/1 he opens the scoring or get 13/10 on him to score in 90 minutes.

Messi also features in Nicole Holliday’s pick for this semi-final. She’s going for Argentina to win a tight game in 90 with under three goals. It’s part of our Enhanced Odds, and is now 8/1 (was 6/1).

Croatia captain Luka Modric has made 17 World Cup appearances for his nation. After starting all five games in Qatar, he could become the fourth player to start six World Cup matches aged 37+. The midfield maestro scored when the sides met in Russia. He’s 7/1 to repeat the feat.

Latest odds for Argentina v Croatia

What is the latest Argentina v Croatia team news and injury news?

Full-backs Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel both picked up cautions in the quarter-final win over the Netherlands meaning they are suspended. Nicolas Tagliafico is likely to deputise for Acuna.

Rodrigo De Paul lasted for 66 minutes as Lionel Scaloni manages his injury. While Angel Di Maria is pushing to be 100% fit in time for this semi-final tie. Papu Gomez remains a doubt.

Zlatko Dalic doesn’t have any injury concerns heading into this crunch game. Tired legs might become an issue after back-to-back games going to extra time. Bruno Petkovic will be pushing for a start after his equaliser against Brazil.

Who are Argentina and Croatia’s key players?

Argentina captain and talisman Lionel Messi is their go-to player for a spark or a moment of brilliance. He’s shown that several times during this World Cup, especially with his through ball to Nahuel Molina that opened the scoring in Friday’s quarter-final. Messi is in the running for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.

Croatia have an experienced midfield made up of Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic, who keep the ball well, probing the opposition before sliding balls through to their forwards. Meanwhile, centre back Josko Gvardiol has caught the eye during the World Cup with several assured displays.

What are the odds on Argentina or Croatia to win the 2022 World Cup?

Just four teams remain in Qatar with Argentina and Croatia sandwiched between the other two semi-final sides in the outright betting.

Argentina are 13/8 to win the World Cup for a third time. They last reached the final in 2014, when they suffered extra-time heartbreak at the hands of Germany.

Croatia were runners-up in Russia four years ago and are looking to become the fourth European nation to reach consecutive World Cup finals. They’re 15/2 to lift the trophy for the first time.

Who are the managers of Argentina and Croatia?

Lionel Scaloni is Argentina’s head coach and since stepping into the role he’s brought immediate success. He ended their long 28-year wait to win the Copa America in 2021, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final. Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game remains their only loss in their last 41 matches (in 90 mins).

Zlatko Dalic has made this Croatia side tough to beat. After taking them to their first World Cup final in 2018, he’s now aiming to go one better. They came into the tournament on a high after topping their Nations League group ahead of Denmark and world champions France.