Certainly, if Lionel Messi is to lift the World Cup finally, he is doing it the hard road. Brilliance can only take a team so far. Especially if the team is as flawed as Messi’s Argentina. But the fairy-tale World Cup Odds story can still have the perfect ending. Following 80 minutes of the quarterfinal against the Netherlands, everyone watching could have been forgiven for dreaming about an ideal Messi narrative. The dream is that Qatar 2022 would end with the 35-year-old getting his hands on the one major trophy he has yet to win.
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Argentina vs. Croatia Betting World Cup Information
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, December 13, 2022, 2 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lusail Stadium |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | +½ (+105) | 2 (-120) | +422 | |
| Argentina | -½ (-125) | 2 (EV) | -125 |  |
| Draw | – | – | +235 | |
| ||||
Messi and Argentina Advance in Epic Run to Dream
In a must-win against the Netherlands, Messi produced his best performance of this World Cup. Certainly, it was magical. Messi put Lionel Scaloni’s team 2-0 ahead. And he was seemingly cruising into a sportsbook semifinal against Croatia on Tuesday. The Paris Saint Germain forward created Nahuel Molina’s first-half opening goal. He did so with a pass of world-class quality. And then he doubled Argentina’s lead from the penalty spot at the 73-minute mark.
Finally, the closing stages should have been on cruise control. But Wout Weghorst scored twice. First, on an 83rd-minute header. And then by finishing off one of the best and cleverest free kicks 11 minutes into stoppage time. That goal tied the game. And that wasn’t in the script. Messi’s story turned into a nightmare by a giant center-forward who Burnley signed. Specifically to keep them in the Premier League last season. A task he failed to manage, scoring just twice in 20 games.
Messi Rises to the Occasion
In turn, one of soccer’s biggest names looked set to be denied its dream ending by a journeyman striker for a poor Dutch team. Instead, fortunes switched back onto Messi and Argentina’s side. The Copa America champions held their nerve to win a penalty shootout, with Messi scoring the first in a 4-3 win.
On the whole, it was a tumultuous game. There were Argentina bookings and two mass confrontations between both sets of players. Also, Argentina had provocative, goading celebrations at the end in front of their beaten opponents. But this Argentina team has so much World Cup betting odds emotion, and desperation. Accordingly, with Mess, the ugly scenes in victory might be understandable.
Finally, when the dust settles, perhaps this World Cup needed an Argentina win. Despite the negativity at the end. Gamblers and fans want soccer at the highest level. And they expect moments that last a lifetime. Certainly, Messi delivered one of those with the stunning reverse pass to Molina.
Croatia Upsets Brazil
Previously, before Messi’s game-changing performance, the Netherlands threatened to suffocate this encounter with their passive, low-risk football. Coach Louis van Gaal has bristled at criticism of his tactical approach from the Dutch media. However, it had taken them to the brink of a semifinal clash with Croatia. Previously, Croatia ousted Brazil on penalties in an equally memorable match).
Croatia is hugely committed and proving to be the competition’s dark horse. But with Messi’s genius among their options, it is hard to go against Argentina.