32 teams turned up in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. Only four remain. Will it be Argentina or Croatia, and Morocco or France who make it to the World Cup Final?
The DAZN Bet Traders have previewed the World Cup Semi-Final matches.
Odds* provided by DAZN Bet.
Argentina vs. Croatia – Semi-Finals – 19:00 – December 13
Croatia stunned favourites Brazil in the first match of the quarterfinal stages. Firstly by equalising in the 117th minute with their only shot on target in the match, and then by converting all four of their spot kicks in the shootout to prevail 4-2 on penalties.
Argentina looked like they were going to be comfortable winners against the Netherlands, however, two late Dutch goals forced the game to extra time. They would eventually prevail 4-3 on penalties in a game that set the record for the most yellow cards shown in a World Cup knockout game.
Croatia have now seen five of their last six World Cup knockout games go to extra time, and the two successive shootout victories so far emulates their run from four years ago.
Argentina will be appearing in their fifth World Cup Semi-Final, and they have prevailed in each of their previous four matches at this stage.
The South American side still seem to switch off defensively at key moments in the game and those lapses almost cost them their place in the last four. and although they will be starting this one as favourites, it’s difficult to dismiss the ‘never say die’ attitude of Croatia.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see another late finish here when the two face off at the Lusail Stadium. Croatia are becoming synonymous with extra time in recent years, and we can definitely see this being another game that goes the distance.
Traders’ Tip: 1x2 – Draw @ 23/10. A £10 bet at these odds could return £33.
Morocco vs. France – Semi Finals – 19:00 – December 14
France survived a late penalty miss from Harry Kane as they prevailed 2-1 over England in their quarterfinal encounter. Didier Deschamps is now just two victories away from becoming the second manager, after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo, to guide a team to back-to-back World Cup successes.
Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Portugal on Saturday meant that they became the first African team to reach the last four of a World Cup. It was yet another display of defensive brilliance from the Atlas Lions who have now kept a clean sheet against each of their four European opponents so far in Qatar.
France enter this encounter as clear favourites, but Morocco aren’t likely to fear the attacking threat of Mbappe, Giroud and Griezmann. The African team conceded just once in reaching the semi-finals, and they will feel confident that they can become the first team outside of Europe and South America to make a World Cup Final.
We would love to see the determined Moroccans spring yet another surprise, but it feels like the fairy tale could come to an end here. France are hugely experienced at this stage of the competition, whilst injuries are starting to catch up with Morocco, and the potential absence of captain Romain Saiss, who was stretchered off the pitch against Portugal, could be a huge loss for the side.
Morocco are yet to go behind in this World Cup so we haven’t really seen that sense of urgency from them, however, if France manage to open the scoring we can see plenty more chances being offered to Les Bleus as the Moroccans chase the game. Should this happen we like the look of the French getting a few goals on the board, at the expense of their African opponents.
Traders’ Tip: France Total – Over 2.5 @ 11/4. A £10 bet at these odds could return £37.50.
*Odds correct at time of publishing. Available to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18+ only. T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org