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World Cup Semi-Final Double: December 13th-14th
It has been a World Cup for the underdog. That’s epitomised by the semi-finals as Croatia take on Argentina and Morocco pit their wits against world champions France.
Historically, clashes of this magnitude do not tend to be goal-laden with 75% of the last 16 World Cup semi-finals seeing two goals or fewer.
With Croatia and Morocco involved, it is hard to see these semis buck the trend. However, if the quarters are anything to go off, we should be set for some enthralling matches.
In this article:
- Argentina vs Croatia Preview & Best Bet
- France vs Morocco Preview & Best Bet
- World Cup Semis Double Odds
Argentina vs Croatia Preview
World Cup Semi-Final, Tuesday, December 13th, 19:00 (UK)
Before the quarters kicked off it seemed a foregone conclusion that it would be Brazil meeting fierce rivals Argentina in the sem’s, Croatia had other ideas though.
Zlatko Dalic’s side defied the odds to dump ante-post favourites Brazil out on penalties.
Tite will roo the decision to allow Neymar to hold out for the winning penalty but that does change the fact that Croatia are into their second World Cup semi-final in as many tournaments.
They will fancy their chances against Argentina as well, given how the South American side’s quarter-final went.
La Albiceleste were 2-0 up and very much in control heading into the final ten minutes.
Louis van Gaal chucked the big boys up front. Wout Weghorst, Luuk de Jong and Virgil van Dijk finished the game up top and the former grabbed a brace to take the game into extra time.
Given the lack of height at Lionel Scaloni’s disposal, Croatia must be looking at this blueprint from an ultimately underwhelming Dutch side for inspiration. After all, we saw a similar capitulation against Saudi Arabia in Argentina’s opening game.
Argentina vs Croatia Best Bet
En route to the Lusail Stadium, the Vatreni have drawn four of their five games, three of which ended goalless.
It was a similar story in 2018, where they won each of their three knock-out games en route to the final via penalties.
There isn’t a great deal of talent in Dalic’s squad beyond Luka Modric. They have lost the xG battle in each of their last three games against Brazil, Japan and Belgium by an xGD of 5.12.
While that depicts the touch of fortune needed in a major tournament, this squad’s main asset is their intangible unity.
This is why I think the bet is to back a draw, as I fancy this game to end all square after the 90, as has been the case in 89% of Croatia’s last nine WC games.
- Selection: Draw
- Best Odds: 3.40 (10bet)
- Stakes: 5/10
More Argentina vs Croatia Tips
France vs Morocco Preview
World Cup Semi-Final, Wednesday, December 14th, 19:00 (UK)
Morocco’s historic semi-final sees them take on defending champions France at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday evening.
According to their best odds, the Atlas Lions have been given just over 22% of reaching the final, which seems a touch disrespectful.
Walid Regragui’s side are unbeaten in Qatar, besting Belgium, Spain and Portugal. Three teams of the highest pedigree.
Under their supremo’s tenure, an opposition player is yet to score against them, and that includes the shootout with Spain.
There are a few concerns though for me. They have conceded an xG of 6.14 in Qatar, conceding only one goal.
They also boast tremendous team spirit but the injuries to key players are starting to add up. Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saïss and Walid Cheddira are all set to miss this.
France did what champions need to do in their clash with England, find a way when they are not playing well. It was a game of few clear-cut chances, which is credit to Didier Deschamps’ side who limited the Three Lions.
Les Bleus edged it where it mattered, they had half as many shots as England but scored twice as many.
They come into this one with no fresh injury concerns and this could see them name an unchanged XI, which could be crucial with them yet to truly hit top gear this winter.
France vs Morocco Best Bet
Since 1990, World Cup semi-finals have averaged 3.75 cards per game which is hardly surprising given what is at stake.
Les Bleus’ semi-final in 2018 saw five cards flashed and I think this game could follow suit.
Morocco’s game plan will not change, they will look to contain, counter and frustrate Deschamps’ side, and this is why I think Kylian Mbappe is worth a punt in the card market.
France’s talisman is a chunky 9.50 with bet365 and is as short as 5.50 elsewhere.
He has only been carded five times in 64 international appearances, however, 40% of those cards have come in the five World Cup knock-out appearances he has made.
Given his petulant nature, I am happy to take the gamble on this big price in the hope that this is a clear pattern and not just a coincidence.
He was booked in Les Bleus’ last semi-final after all…
- Selection: Kylian Mbappe Card (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 9.50 (bet365)
- Stakes: 10/10
World Cup Semis Double Odds
- Argentina vs Croatia – Draw at 3.30
- France vs Morocco – Kylian Mbappe Card at 9.50
Double Odds: 31.35
Odds via bet365 as at 21:30 December 12 2022. Odds may now differ.
WHAT IS A FOOTBALL ACCA?
A football acca is an accumulator bet, a type of bet that consists of several selections across different matches that are combined together into one single bet. An acca usually. consists of at least four selections but many more can be included. There will be odds for the single bet as a whole which is calculated by multiplying the odds of all of the selections. A football acca is one of the most popular ways to bet. This is the case because they can create potentially massive odds for a small stake. Many punters choose to create football accas which is what we have created here. If one of these selections loses then the football acca will lose. This type of bet needs every selection to win in order to succeed.
