Our Prediction Ahead Of Argentina vs Croatia

The weekend’s World Cup action was a harrowing watch for Englnad supporters up and down the country. Harry Kane’s devastating penalty miss saw the end of the Three Lion’s World Cup chances, as France progressed from an Olivier Giroud header. Gareth Southgate’s side will feel as if they can only get better going into future tournaments, but the remaining four teams will all think they are within touching distance of the trophy.

While Morocco and France will battle against each other in an intercontinental showdown tomorrow, but tonight we see Europe take on the last remaining South American side as Croatia face Argentina. Here is our prediction before tonight’s match:

Both sides are coming into this fixture off the back of emotionally gruelling quarter finals. Croatia held Brazil to relatively few chances in normal time, before staging an epic comeback in extra time after it looked like they were down and out. With Croatia delighted to be advancing on penalties, Argentina were devastated that it got to that stage for them, Losing a two goal lead and conceding in the 11th minute of injury time to be taken to an extra 30 minutes of football. The team in blue and white did however prevail thanks to a spirited Emi Martinez performance, setting up a huge tie tonight.

At this stage, Croatia simply cannot be written off. Luka Modric brings with him to his international side the same kind of mentality that has seen Real Madrid drag themselves to Champions Leagues. Their midfield outclassed Brazil’s in their last game, as Kovacic and Brozovic allow their captain to be a creative force in further advanced positions. Dominik Livakovic has been a hero between the sticks in his last two games, and Gvardiol at the back has been an absolute revelation at this World Cup. You can expect a move to the Premier League will be on the horizon for the 20 year-old Leipzig defender.

Their opponents will feel that they are hitting their peak at the right time. Lionel Messi provided a goal and an assist in his previous game, and continues to be the spark of this Argentina side as he enters the final years of his career. Enzo Fernandez has also been excellent, and Julian Alvarez has played well up front when given opportunities. Argentina will need to manage this game better than they have done so far in the knockout stages, as they have had scares in the final minutes against Australia, and nearly threw away a two goal lead against the Netherlands. This vulnerability will give the Croatians hope, with their never-say-die attitude already being on display in this tournament.

This game has all the makings of a close battle between two nations led by ageing superstars. Lionel Messi and Luka Modric have been two of the best footballers of their generations, and both will feel destined to fulfil their dreams and get their hands on the World Cup. However, they can only be as good as the teams around them, and there is not much at all to separate the two sides. Croatia probably have the stronger defence, while Argentina have the edge going forward. This game is set to be a war of attrition, but I feel as if Argentina will be the ones who claim victory.

Score Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Croatia