Argentina entered this semi-final after what was perhaps the most entertaining game of the tournament against Netherlands and they will try to earn the first slot available in the final by defeating Croatia.

Given that this is Lionel Messi’s final opportunity to lead his country to World Cup triumph, Argentina has earned the title of many people’s second favorite team to win this tournament. After defeating the resolute Netherlands team, Argentina proved they are up to the task and will be eager to get the better of giant killers, Croatia.

There were several dramas in the match against the Netherlands but La Albiceleste ultimately prevailed on penalties. Although the match was entertaining, Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz, the official who officiated it, undoubtedly stole the show by issuing double digits yellow cards to both teams in the encounter.

In their own penalty shootout, which saw them defeat Brazil, Croatia prevailed, proving that this Croatian team should not be taken lightly. The midfield trio of Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Luka Modric has the ideal balance of physicality and technical ability and have become accustomed to controlling games of this magnitude.

Given the reward on the line for the team that can secure the victory, this should be another intense encounter. Croatia will approach this game similarly to how they did against Brazil, but Argentina appears more focused, and they should control the majority of the possession. As much as I have been impressed with Croatia, their game strategy of containing could be risky. As a result, a scrappy meeting with lots of fouls appears possible but Argentina is expected to edge out their opponents and progress to the final and Betfred is offering a sweet 5/6 for Croatia to be knocked out.