Argentina vs. Croatia Semifinals Picks, Predictions, Odds
The 2022 World Cup semifinals kick off Tuesday with Argentina meeting Croatia and this is a classic match of "offense versus defense."
Argentina has scored two goals in four straight games and Croatia has only surrendered two goals in all five of their World Cup matches, which has resulted in four draws for bettors.
Is another tie looming for the Croatians or can Argentina advance in 90 minutes.
Let's handicap the match!
Argentina vs. Croatia Picks & Score Predictions
Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal sees one of the pre-tournament favorites Argentina face off against the eternal surprise package, Croatia.
Lionel Messi and co had been cruising against the Netherlands in the quarters. A late comeback meant that penalties were required to book their place in the final 4. Croatia was on the other end of a late equalizer. They needed penalties but took out pre-tournament favorites Brazil with the victory.
This isn’t the matchup many wanted with the Samba Boys heading home.
Still, Argentina vs Croatia promises to be an intriguing match. It’ll be tight. Semifinals usually are at the World Cup. The goal line is set at 2.0 and it’s hard to disagree.
Seventeen of the 22 World Cup Cup semifinals since 1990 have had under 2.5 goals. A 0-0 or 1-1 is likely.
Score Predictions:
Argentina 0 Croatia 0 (+550)
Argentina 1 Croatia 1 (+550)
Argentina vs. Croatia Best Bets
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one go all the way. Croatia has played in nine knockout matches at major tournaments. The only one that didn’t go to extra time was the 2018 final against France. The draw in 90 minutes looks very generous at +220 considering.
Game Best Bets:
Argentina vs. Croatia Odds
Argentina -110
Croatia +375
Draw +220
Over 2.5 (+150)
Under 2.5 (-188)
To qualify/advance:
Argentina -250
Croatia +200
Argentina comes into this one as the major favorite to win.
It’s -110 for La Albiceleste to get the victory in 90 minutes in the 1X2. A reminder that those 1X2 odds are for the 90 minutes only, not the tie as a whole.
The draw, as previously mentioned, is at +220 with Croatia out at +375.
Argentina has -0.5 goals in the Asian handicap market.
Argentina vs. Croatia Special Odds
Both Teams to Score: Yes (+110) No (-150)
Game Decided in Extra Time: Yes (+550) No (-900)
Game Decided After Penalties: Yes (+400) No (-600)
Corners: Over 8 (+110) Under 8 (-120)
Number of Cards: Over 4.5 (-120) Under 4.5 (-120)
A Penalty in the Match: Yes (+225) No (-300)
A Red Card in the Match: Yes (+350) No (-550)
Own Goal: Yes (+1200) No -2500
Argentina vs. Croatia Betting Stats
World Cup Record
Argentina (3-1-1)
Croatia (1-4-0)
World Cup Form
Saudi Arabia 2 Argentina 1 (Underdog +2200)
Argentina 2 Mexico 0 (Favorite -188)
Argentina 2 Poland 0 (Favorite -223)
Argentina 2 Australia 1 (Favorite -500)
Argentina 2 Netherlands 2 (Draw +210) -- Argentina wins on PKs (4-2)
Morocco 0 Croatia 0 (Draw +225)
Croatia 4 Canada 1 (Favorite +110)
Croatia 0 Belgium 0 (Draw +240)
Japan 1 Croatia 1 (Draw +100) -- Croatia wins on PKs (3-1)
Croatia 0 Brazil 0 (Draw +400) -- Croatia wins on PKs (4-2)
Argentina Betting Outlook and Players to Watch
Lionel Messi’s one-man mission for a World Cup continues.
It’s hard to think of another time when Messi looked this fired-up. His burning desire is there to see and his influence on this Argentina side cannot be overstated. My advice is to back the over on, well, everything Over 47.5 passes at -120, over 4.5 shots at +125 and over 1.5 shots on target at -138. The PSG man will continue to shine.
Lautaro Martinez impressed in his cameo against the Netherlands. The Inter man hit the post and in a game of few goals, he could be called upon to add some bite to this occasionally-toothless Argentina attack. Martinez looks exceptional value to score the last goal of the game at +550.
Player Best Bets:
Lionel Messi - Over 47.5 Passes (-120)
Lionel Messi - Over 4.5 Shots (+125)
Lionel Messi - Over 1.5 Shots on Target (-138)
Lautaro Martinez - Last Goal Scorer +550
Croatia Betting Outlook and Players to Watch
Croatia’s hope will rest on their midfield. While it feels almost certain that Lionel Messi is playing in his final World Cup, it’s easy to picture a 41-year-old Luka Modric returning to the biggest stage in 2026. The Real Madrid man has enjoyed a magisterial tournament in Zlatko Dalic’s midfield and showing that 37-years-old is still young for some.
Between Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, Croatia dominated the midfield against Brazil at times and will want to do the same again here.
Luka Modric to get over 61.5 passes looks good at -120 considering how many passes Argentina have allowed their opponents in this World Cup.
Argentina struggled to deal with the aerial threat posed by the Netherlands in the quarters. Wout Weghorst enjoyed his two-goal cameo against Albiceleste. Might Croatia be tempted to throw in their 6’4 striker Bruno Petkovic? He’s +550 to score anytime.
Croatia Player Best Bets
Luka Modric - Over 61.5 Passes (-120)
Bruno Petkovic - Anytime Goal Scorer +550
Argentina vs. Croatia Betting Resources
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
Matchup: Semifinals
Stadium: Lusail Iconic Stadium
Location: Lusail, Qatar
TV-Time: FOX, 2:00p.m. ET
Be sure to follow Dan Jenkins on Twitter at DanJenkins at @DanJenkins_BE
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