World Cup 2022: Predicting who will win the semifinal matchups

The 2022 World Cup is down to the final four. Here’s a look at the two semifinal matches and which teams are poised to meet in the final.

Two European teams, one from South America and a Cinderella side from Africa are the four teams left.

Argentina, one of the pre-tournament favorites heading into this World Cup, takes on Croatia, runners up four years ago, on Tuesday in the first semifinal.

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The following day, France, the defending champions, play Morocco, the First Nation ever from Africa to reach a World Cup semifinal.

Here’s a preview of the semifinals and which two teams are likely to advance to next Sunday’s final.

Croatia vs. Argentina World Cup preview

Croatia outlasted Brazil in the quarterfinals on penalty kicks and now looks to topple another South American giant in the semifinals. Argentina, however, had their own drama to deal with in their quarterfinal clash against the Netherlands, ousting the Dutch from the tournament in a shootout.

Croatia proved four years ago, and again at this World Cup, that they are a tough team to defeat in the knockout rounds. Argentina has gotten progressively better with every match at this tournament, but attacking midfielder Luka Modric and company will look once again to wear down their opponents and push the match to extra time.

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Lionel Messi is aiming to win his first World Cup (and the first for the Albiceleste since 1986 when the legendary Diego Maradona captained them to the title) and is the sentimental favorite of many out there. Croatia, however, have different plans and will be looking to spoil the party like they did for Neymar and his Brazilian teammates.

Prediction: Argentina 2, Croatia 1

Morocco vs. France World Cup preview

Croatia may have been a surprise side at the World Cup four years ago, but Morocco are the underdogs at this tournament. The Atlas Lions have gotten where no African nation has ever gone before — to the semifinals of a World Cup.

Morocco have only conceded one goal in five games at this tournament, but in France they will face an offense that’s one of the best in the world. Spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud, Les Bleus are looking to become the first team to repeat as World Cup champion since Brazil captured back-to-back titles in 1958 and ’62.

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Morocco have been absolute giant killers after knocking out Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo 1-0 in the quarterfinals. France knockout out England 2-1 in their quarterfinal clash with Giroud scoring the winning goal. He will be looking for a repeat performance on Wednesday against Morocco.

Prediction: France 2, Morocco 1