The first of the Qatar semi-finals takes place on Tuesday and we take a look at the match between Argentina and Croatia from a betting angle.
Let’s start with a look at the Outright Betting where France are currently trading as 11/10 favourites ahead of Argentina 16/10, you can get 8/1 Croatia and Morocco remain the outsiders at 12/1.
There are other long-term markets available such as Winning Continent and Player of the Tournament where Mbappe is trading as an 11/10 favourite.
Click here for all World Cup Betting Markets
ARGENTINA
Argentina booked their spot in the final 4 with a dramatic penalties victory over Netherlands. Argentina had gone 2 goals ahead courtesy of a 35th minute strike by Nahuel Molina and a 73rd minute penalty from Lionel Messi. Netherlands hit back with goals in the 83rd minute and 101st minute to force extra time and ultimately penalties.
The Tournament hadn’t begun well for Argentina with a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opener, a game where they started 1/10 favourites. They then came out and beat Mexico and Poland in the group stages before seeing off Australia 2-1 in the last 16.
CROATIA
Croatia also booked their spot in the last 4 via a penalty shoot-out. Their game against Brazil had finished 0-0 after normal time and a late equalizer from Bruno Petkovic in extra time saw the tie go down to spot kicks where Croatia were brilliant both in terms of putting their penalties away and in keeping Brazil out.
Croatia opened their group campaign with a goalless draw against Morocco before hammering Canada 4-1 and playing out another goalless draw against Belgium. They then beat Japan on penalties to reach the last 8.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides met in a World Cup in 2018 with Croatia winning 3-0.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Argentina 17/20
Draw 12/5
Croatia 4/1
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Croatia +0.5 goals at 1/1
I think the bookmakers are under-estimating Croatia here and I must admit to being tempted by the 4/1 that they win the game. I am going to take the shorter price though and the insurance of the 90 minute draw being on my side as well. Based on Croatia’s other matches in the Tournament it is no surprise to seen under 2.5 goals trading short at 8/15 and both teams to score, NO, at 5/8.
If you fancy Lionel Messi to lead the charge for Argentina you can get 3/1 that he scores the first goal of the match.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
