Argentina vs. Croatia Odds, Props & Picks: Lionel Messi Takes on Veteran Croatia Side

Both Argentina and Croatia needed PKs to advance from their roller coaster quarterfinal matchups. Croatia, which needed PKs in both the round of 16 (against Japan) and the quarterfinals (against Brazil), now have their sights set on a second consecutive huge upset.

Argentina, on the other hand, is one match from the second trip to the World Cup final of Lionel Messi’s illustrious career.

Croatia reached the semis thanks to a late equalizer in added time after Neymar scored what appeared to be the game-winner, then did what they do best in PKs to shock the World Cup favorites. Argentina looked like they would get a comfortable win over the Netherlands, but a late rally by the Dutch forced added time, and then PKs, before Argentina eventually survived.

Here we look at Argentina vs. Croatia odds, props, and picks in the semifinals at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Best Argentina vs. Croatia Odds: Moneyline, Total for World Cup Clash

Here are the betting lines from top US sportsbooks for Argentina vs. Croatia. The odds are likely to change between now and kickoff, and it’s always advised to weigh the options at various sports betting apps to find the best sportsbook bonuses and prices.

These odds reflect the prices for both sides on the three-way line, where a bet on either team is a loss in the event of a draw. DraftKings lists the draw at +240.

Argentina vs. Croatia Moneyline Odds

The three-way moneyline prices apply only to what the scoreboard reads after 90 minutes of regulation (including stoppage time). That means that if you bet Argentina (or Croatia) to win and they advance in overtime or on PKs, your bet still goes down as a loss since the game was tied at the end of regulation.

If you think one side will advance to the next round but think it might happen after the match is tied through 90 minutes, take a look at odds to advance. For this match, Argentina is -245 to advance, while Croatia is +195 on DraftKings. At FanDuel, the “to advance” prices are Argentina -270 and Croatia +205. BetRivers offers Argentina at -250 and Croatia at +205.

Argentina vs. Croatia Total

The total is set at 2.5 goals, with the Over priced at +145 on DraftKings, while the Under is -185.

Argentina vs. Croatia: World Cup History

Argentina famously won the World Cup in both 1978 and 1986. They’ve also finished second twice (1990 and 2014). As you may have heard, a World Cup trophy is about the only award in soccer that has eluded Messi, and that storyline has dominated the last three World Cups for the 35-year-old and Argentina.

Croatia qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 1998, and they’ve made it to every edition since — except in 2010. In six World Cup appearances, Croatia has been eliminated in group play three times but when they’ve made it to knockout play, they’ve fared well, reaching the final in 2018 (where they lost to France) and the semifinals in 1998.

Argentina and Croatia have met twice previously in the World Cup, including their most recent match in 2018 during group play in Russia. Croatia won that one, 3-0. When Argentina and Croatia met in group play in 1998, Argentina won 1-0.

Argentina Roster, Injuries, and Betting News

Argentina’s World Cup campaign has had its ups and downs, but Messi and Co. are currently well-positioned to play for the title. They’re heavily favored against a Croatia side that has struggled to score but has also not allowed many scoring opportunities. It’s hard to argue that luck hasn’t been a factor in Croatia reaching this point, but that does not make them an easy test for the Argentina side under massive pressure.

Roster

Argentina has proven that they are deeper than a lot of fans realize. Their defense has been impressive — though it did break down in the final minutes against the Netherlands — and Messi has gotten help from several players who are not exactly global superstars. In group play and in the round of 16 win over Australia, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Julian Alvarez all came up big, while Argentina got massive contributions from right back Nahuel Molina (who put his team on the board) and Marcos Acuña (who drew a PK that Messi converted to make it 2-0) in the win over the Netherlands.

Injuries

Veteran winger Angel di Maria has been hobbled, but came off the bench against the Netherlands and could be available to start against Croatia. Argentina will also likely be without Papu Gomez.

Two other absences for Argentina are Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel, who will both miss the match due to suspension.

Croatia Roster, Injuries, and Betting News

Croatia just keeps winning. No team in recent memory, if ever, has reached the semifinals by following the path we’ve seen Croatia take. Four of their five matches in Qatar have “ended” in draws, but Croatia’s penalty kick prowess has kept them alive.

Roster

Luka Modric gets most of the headlines for Croatia, but two emerging stars during this tournament have been center back Josko Gvardiol and keeper Dominik Livakovic. Croatia has struggled to score — they’ve got just six goals in five matches — but their balance has been impressive, as the goals have come from five different players: Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic, Marko Livaja, Bruno Petkovic, and Lovro Majer.

Read: World Cup Golden Boot odds

Injuries

Croatia does not have any injury concerns or players who will miss the match due to suspension.

Argentina vs. Croatia Props

Below is a sampling of props for Argentina vs. Croatia.

Anytime Goalscorer (FanDuel):

• Lionel Messi: +150
• Lautaro Martinez: +250
• Julian Alvarez: +260
• Andrej Kramaric: +460
• Bruno Petkovic: +470

Correct Score (DraftKings):

• Argentina 1-0: +330
• Argentina 2-0: +550
• Argentina 2-1: +700
• Croatia 1-0: +750
• Croatia 2-0: +1900
• Croatia 2-1: +1200
• 0-0: +600
• 1-1: +425

Total Goal Props (DraftKings):

• Over 0.5 goals -1200, Under 0.5 goals: +700
• Over 1.5 goals -215, Under 1.5 goals: +170
• Over 2.5 goals +150, Under 2.5 goals: -185
• Over 3.5 goals +390, Under 3.5 goals: -550

Argentina vs. Croatia Broadcast Info: Where to Watch

• Date/Time: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m. ET
• Location: Lusail Stadium

Watch this match at one of the following:

• FOX
• Fox Sports App
• Peacock
• Telemundo

Argentina vs. Croatia Prediction: Argentina 2, Croatia 1

I’m sold on one of the underdogs that has reached the semifinals, but it’s not Croatia. No matter how badly I was fooled by their upset of Brazil, I’m still skeptical they can win a third knockout match in a row after needing PKs in both the round of 16 and quarterfinals.

Argentina has proven throughout the tournament that they can win in multiple ways and as long as they can maintain their composure — which I must admit is no sure thing — I like them to hold off Croatia.

Here are two bets available at DraftKings that are worth checking out:

• Argentina to win in 90 minutes (-130)
• Argentina win and Under 3.5 (+105)