World Cup Betting Breakdown (Tuesday 12/13)

The semifinal stage is now set for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Croatia, Argentina, Morocco and France remain in the tournament. Croatia and France met in the final in 2018, and that could end up being a matchup in this year’s final as well. Also of note, Morocco is the first African nation to advance to the semifinal of any World Cup. The tournament in Qatar has been a fantastic display of soccer, so let’s hope we continue to see entertaining matches this week.

The pre-tournament favorite, Brazil, was recently knocked out, so that leaves France as the odds-on favorite to win it all at +115 on FanDuel Sportsbook. Next in line is Argentina at +160 followed by Croatia at +750. Morocco has the longest odds to win at +1000.

Semifinal 1 Argentina vs. Croatia

Argentina nearly blew their chance to advance to the semifinals. They held a 2-0 lead late against the Netherlands until Wout Weghorst scored goals in the 83rd and 101st minute to force extra time. The teams would go scoreless through the extra half hour, and Argentina would best the Dutch in penalty kicks.

Croatia beat Brazil in penalty kicks after a very late goal from Bruno Petkovic in extra time tied the game at 1-1. They have found a way to prevail in several immense international matches over the last few years, so they will have belief that they can take down another South American giant Tuesday.

Croatia is looking to advance to their second straight World Cup Final and will be underdogs to do so. They take on an Argentina team that likes to hold possession and will create a lot of chances. It will be interesting to see if Croatia has enough attacking firepower to create chances of their own. Croatia is +225 to advance on FanDuel, while Argentina is -290. Argentina is -125 on the moneyline with Croatia at +420, and the draw is available at +230. The goal total over/under is 2.0.

Argentina vs. Croatia Bets

Both Teams To Score, Yes

+120, FanDuel

I have confidence that Argentina can create enough chances to find the net at least once in this game. Argentina’s defense has also shown cracks in Qatar against capable attacking teams that I think Croatia can exploit with their poise and fight.