World Cup semi-final: Argentina vs Croatia

Argentina emerged from the insanity of their quarter-final against the Netherlands as victors, despite the Dutch’s daring free-kick equaliser in the dying minutes of normal time. Bet on the World Cup here

As for the Croats, they made it through their match against Brazil much as they’ve made it through the entire tournament to date.

High on grit, low on goals, Zlatko Dalic’s side could not be separated from Brazil in normal time; even a Neymar goal in extra time couldn’t break the Croatian spirit. Eventually Dalic’s team won on penalties, as they had in their previous game against Japan.

Four of Croatia’s five games in this tournament have (technically) ended in draws. This isn’t a bug, it’s a feature; the side are intent on grinding their way to the ultimate glory.

So can they pull it off? I mean, you’d think probably not; but goddamned if this team haven’t been making a monkey out of us all tournament.

Eight of Croatia’s last nine knockout ties have gone to extra time

Brazil were widely viewed as favourites to win this competition; if Croatia can leave Neymar sobbing, why can’t they do the same to Lionel Messi, in his (likely) final bid to guide Argentina to a World Cup triumph?

Can Croatia really take this one to extra time and penalties too? Generally, the hope is that flair trumps doggedness. But Croatia have been underestimated before; four years ago in Russia they made it all the way to the final against France.

Indeed, eight of Croatia’s last nine knockout ties have gone to extra time. The overwhelmingly obvious bet would be to back the draw at 12/5.

For all that, Messi has scored in all but one of his World Cup appearances in Qatar. He remains the likeliest to break the deadlock, and is 10/3 to open the scoring here.

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