Going into the 2022 FIFA 2022 World Cup, Argentina was the favorite to win it. After a rocky start, Argentina found its way back to winning ways with fine performances in the next three games. The team did look a little shaky at times against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, however, they managed to grab the victory in the penalty shootouts.
This puts Argentina in the sweet spot, just two victories away from lifting the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
The La Albiceleste will face Croatia, a team that has found itself in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup for the second time in a row. Last time out in 2018, Croatia shocked the world by reaching the Final where it finished as runners-up to eventual winners France.
In 2022, while Croatia’s nerves have not been rattled, they have put up a stern defense against most of the teams. Croatia remains unbeaten in the World Cup this year. Two 0-0 draws in the Group Stage and a 4-1 victory against Canada meant that Croatia finished on 5 points in the Group and progressed to the knockouts. Winning on penalties after one-each draws with Japan and Brazil in the knockout stages, Croatia now finds itself up against Argentina.
🔎 | FOCUS
Dominik Livaković v Brazil:
🧤 11 saves
📥 7 saved shots from inside the box
👐 1 penalty shootout saved
👌 51 touches
👟 26/32 accurate passes
📈 9.0 Sofascore ratingCroatia’s hero and our Player of the Match! 🇭🇷🌟#CROBRA #Qatar2022 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rP0m2s9SCD
— Sofascore (@SofascoreINT) December 9, 2022
Croatia is just a game away from successive World Cup Final appearances.
For all the soccer fans hoping for an underdog in the FIFA World Cup finals, this may be the year where it finally happens.
What time will Argentina V Croatia start?
Date: 13th December 2022
Time: 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT
Location: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
How to watch Argentina V Croatia in the US?
For soccer lovers in the United States, there are two TV Channels are that going to broadcast the semifinal game live. Fans will have the option of tuning into English Channel Fox or Spanish Channel Telemundo to catch the live action.
Apart from that, you can also catch the game on the go with the help of streaming services. FoxSports.com and FoxSports App will be live-streaming the action for English viewers. On the other hand, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and Peacock will be live-streaming the game for Spanish viewers. FuboTV will be live-streaming in both languages.
Argentina V Croatia: FIFA World Cup prediction
Argentina probably has one of the most lethal attacks out of all 32 teams that participated in the World Cup. Strikers Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are exciting prospects at the number 9 position. Angel Di Maria and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi on the wings, can only translate into goals.
A workhorse of a midfield in Mac Allister, Fernandez, and De Paul, Rounds off the team, balancing the star-studded attack and the stern defense.
Messi is the top scorer for the La Albiceleste and will be looking to lead his side to another World Cup Final after having previously done so in 2014.
Argentina v Croatia (Head to Head)
(5matches) Argentina 2wins, Croatia 2wins, 1 draw 🤝1994: Croa 0-0 Arg (Friendly)
1998: Arg1-0 Croa (World Cup)
2006: Croa 3-2 Arg (Friendly)
2014: Arg 2-1 Croa (Friendly)
2018: Arg 0-3 Croa (World Cup)#mamamiahcommentary #Kasapa 102.5FM pic.twitter.com/pB1GgwsNP0— Mamma mia! (@anaman_osagyefo) December 13, 2022
Croatia, on the hand, is a firm defensive blockade to get past. While they possess a lot of quality in attack with the likes of Ivan Perisic, Kovacic, and Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, Croatia’s real strength lies further back. As a team, Croatia can get organized in shape very quickly and transition into counterattacks. The star man for Croatia has to be Josko Gvardiol. He will have to step up to hold off the Argentine attacking waves.
As for the Prediction, a betting man would certainly put his money on Argentina. But considering how unpredictable this World Cup has been, Croatia does have a chance to win this game.
Going by form, it seems very likely that Croatia will probably be able to take the game into extra time. However, Argentina’s far superior attackers will be able to penetrate Croatia’s armor. It seems like it would be a 1-0 victory for Argentina, with Lionel Messi scoring in Extra Time.