World Cup Matchday Preview and Predictions: Semi-finals

 World Cup Matchday Preview and Predictions: Semi-finals 13 December

By Kai Englisch

Four teams, and two matches, and one shared goal of lifting the winners trophy. Tomorrow teams will play in the semi-finals of what has been the most wildly unpredictable World Cup in recent memory. Argentina will play Croatia, while France square off against Morocco. Games begin at two PM (EST).

Argentina VS. Croatia

A battle of heroes. Fresh off of a thrilling victory over the Netherlands that saw the game decided on penalty kicks, powerhouse Argentina take on a stalwart Croatian side that sent tournament favorites Brazil reeling after knocking them out with a rope-a-dope performance into overtime, eventually winning on penalties. This game will pit two legendary maestros, Argentina's Lionel Messi and Croatia's Luka Modric, against each other. Two giants of the game, diminutive in stature, unparalleled sublimity in class, touch, and creativity. This will almost certainly be the last time the two face off in international competition due to age (35 and 37, respectively), after having faced each other in the World cup for the first time in 2006 as baby faced youngsters. Expect this game to boil down to Argentina's ability to generate chances in the attacking third, against a Croatian side that successfully enacted a high press against a star studded Brazilian side last game. If Messi receives help from teammates Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez, that diverted pressure should open up enough space for Messi to weave his magic, who has tallied four goals and two assists at this point in the competition so far. If he's forced to become the sole creator, expect Croatia to become free to "park the bus" successfully in the center of the pitch, the area that Messi shines in, sending dazzling threaded passes, playing give and go's and weaving amongst the trees. Argentina have looked more convincing in their last two matches than their historic loss against Saudi Arabia, but after blowing a 2-0 lead against Netherland, questions have been asked of a backline that has traditionally been the Achilles heel of the nation. Expect Croatia to look to play on the counter-attack, with Modric spraying passes all around with his usual technical brilliance. Croatia looked convincing in their last game, pouring their heart and soul into a victory that saw them successfully hold back Brazil's attack in the final third for much of the game. This one looks to be an instant classic, but one that I expect Argentina to pull out a narrow victory in. 

Prediction: Argentina wins 2-1

France VS. Morocco

David vs. Goliath, perhaps in name only. Heavyweights France have quietly performed up to expectations, amidst a tournament of upsets. After easily finishing at the top of their group, and knocking out small fish Poland, they beat rival England off a missed Harry Kane penalty heartbreaker. They face Morocco, the Cinderella story of the tournament and the first African nation to ever compete in the semi finals of a World Cup. That being said Morocco have genuinely earned their spot with the perennial big boys, beating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal while only conceding a single goal. They've played extremely well, defending as a unit incredibly well while looking dangerous in attack. On the other hand, France's front line have looked lethal, and at their best, virtually unplayable. With the multi pronged threat of Mbappe, Dembele, and Griezemann, this team is scary in open field situations. However, Morocco stand more than just a punchers chance. If star Moroccan fullback Noussair Mazraoui is ruled fit for tomorrow's match, he will join fellow star Achraf Hakimi as potentially the most talented fullback duo in the tournament. These will be the contests to watch. If Mazraoui and Hakimi can keep pace with the likes of Mbappe and Dembele, no easy task, then expect Morocco to at least provide their attack with the means to outpace France. If not, then this could potentially turn into a rout. 

Prediction: France wins 3-1

Photocredits: (Top) Elsa/Getty Images, (Middle) Ellis/Getty Images