what a moment with Argentina in the semifinals!! the intensity of the Argentine players in each ball they played was crazy... Great rival Croatia.
Argentina...! Ganoooooooo!!!
Topic: Sportsbet.io's FIFA World Cup 22 Prediction Pool Discussion thread - page 8. (Read 10837 times)
December 13, 2022, 03:55:05 PM
what a moment with Argentina in the semifinals!! the intensity of the Argentine players in each ball they played was crazy... Great rival Croatia.Argentina...! Ganoooooooo!!!
December 13, 2022, 03:49:02 PM
This match has been indeed a way different than nearly all of us imagined. Most of us expected the normal time of the match to end in a draw. But Argentina secured a very comfortable win earlier in the match. Messi has been one of the heroes for Argentina so far. His contribution level in the third goal was so high that the goal could have been even given to him actually. 
He carried the ball so amazingly and created an absolute goal chance from nothing. Alvarez just needed to do the final touch.
Alvarez has also been one of the most performing players of the team of course with 2 goals and getting a penalty also. Croatia are just out of options at this point. It looks like we are closing in on an Argentina - France finale.
He carried the ball so amazingly and created an absolute goal chance from nothing. Alvarez just needed to do the final touch.Alvarez has also been one of the most performing players of the team of course with 2 goals and getting a penalty also. Croatia are just out of options at this point. It looks like we are closing in on an Argentina - France finale.
December 13, 2022, 03:33:04 PM
~snip
It's still far from over and anything could still happen and we've seen worse, hopefully Argentina have learnt their lessons.
It's still far from over and anything could still happen and we've seen worse, hopefully Argentina have learnt their lessons.
a lot can happen till the end, but so far game proved the fact that Messi is a lot more than Neymar, and all his co-players (and in top form in right moment)
basically, Argentina used chances, and they are not taking the ball, but Croatia has no shot on target still
have to say that I expected different match
The game change totally within the space of those 5 minutes between Argentina goals, it was likely heading for draw imo, but then it's all changed totally, but now as I'm typing another Messi magic have literally ended the Croatia final dreams, because there ain't now way they'll get back from this deficit.
All that's needed now is to know who their opponent is, all in favor of Morocco say Yay!!!
December 13, 2022, 03:25:13 PM
~snip
It's still far from over and anything could still happen and we've seen worse, hopefully Argentina have learnt their lessons.
It's still far from over and anything could still happen and we've seen worse, hopefully Argentina have learnt their lessons.
a lot can happen till the end, but so far game proved the fact that Messi is a lot more than Neymar, and all his co-players (and in top form in right moment)
basically, Argentina used chances, and they are not taking the ball, but Croatia has no shot on target still
have to say that I expected different match
edit: it is probably over now, Alvarez 3:0
December 13, 2022, 03:09:54 PM
I have a feeling we have this on penalties again. It will be a low scoring draw and then maximum pressure with penalty kicks.
Now I am pushing it and I know it will bite me in the ass, but I am also gonna say, Messi shoots first and misses the penalty. We have a way of destroying dreams of big footballing nations.
Now I am pushing it and I know it will bite me in the ass, but I am also gonna say, Messi shoots first and misses the penalty. We have a way of destroying dreams of big footballing nations.
Isn't it already biting you in the ass ? I mean Messi indeed shoots first but it wasn't the way you imagined it, I really don't want to take anything away from this Croatian side, but they the better side of the first 45 minutes, Argentina just made the most of their chances, and I've gotta feel the Croatian keeper because he's been one of the favorite for the golden glove, and it think this might have a dent on that chances.
It's still far from over and anything could still happen and we've seen worse, hopefully Argentina have learnt their lessons.
December 13, 2022, 02:50:07 PM
Croatia are been so unbelievable right now, how do you concede 2 quick goals in the first half so easily 
With how things are going its Argentina in the finals to face the defending champions France and I see the French defending this one because they simply have a better team but not to jump the gun this worldcup has had several unexpected results so this could go either way.
With how things are going its Argentina in the finals to face the defending champions France and I see the French defending this one because they simply have a better team but not to jump the gun this worldcup has had several unexpected results so this could go either way. 
December 13, 2022, 01:27:10 PM
I have a feeling we have this on penalties again. It will be a low scoring draw and then maximum pressure with penalty kicks.
Now I am pushing it and I know it will bite me in the ass, but I am also gonna say, Messi shoots first and misses the penalty. We have a way of destroying dreams of big footballing nations.
Now I am pushing it and I know it will bite me in the ass, but I am also gonna say, Messi shoots first and misses the penalty. We have a way of destroying dreams of big footballing nations.
December 13, 2022, 12:15:56 PM
I think we reached point when giving predictions is pointless thing. Especially when it were wrong so many times during this tournament. I really wish to see Messi reaching final, after all, it's probably his last chance to lift World Cup trophy. But at the same time I have big simpathy for Croatia. I think that Croatia reaching final in this World Cup would be much bigger sensation than it was in 2018. Especially after what they have done with Brazil and how I was wrong about them.
So, I don't really know what bet on this game to put, maybe I'm just going to enjoy football without betting today.
Good luck for guys who are still fighting for prize spots!
So, I don't really know what bet on this game to put, maybe I'm just going to enjoy football without betting today.
Good luck for guys who are still fighting for prize spots!
December 13, 2022, 10:54:59 AM
The final Croatia - France would be great, but it would be so good that I don't believe it can happen. Most likely, we will see Argentina in the final, and in the near future all news sites will again be filled with fanboys' comments about the "greatness" of Messi 
By the way, suppose France wins this World Cup. Mbappe will already be a 2-time champion (at such a young age
). Now his decision to stay in the farm league and not make records with Real Madrid or another top club looks not just stupid but like a mistake of a lifetime lol.
By the way, suppose France wins this World Cup. Mbappe will already be a 2-time champion (at such a young age
). Now his decision to stay in the farm league and not make records with Real Madrid or another top club looks not just stupid but like a mistake of a lifetime lol.Well I never hid my admiration for Messi but it does get sickening to see all the fanboy GOAT talk especially when he and Ronaldo are compared with nonsense stats. They are both greats, but there are plenty of other amazing footballers to be admired. Modric is the simplest, but look at Moroccan heroes now too
Mbappe at PSG was a big "waste" but he is still young and can play at least 2 more World Cups!
Today in the news I saw another "leak" that Messi is already the favorite for the Ballon d'Or this season
It reminds me of the level of drug delirium when Xavi and Iniesta won everything at the national team level, but Messi received the awards. I understand that all these awards have been a shame for a long time (like City was the best club last season, and Real was only the third), but it's really annoying. And the fact that unpromoted players are ignored in the distribution of rewards, no matter how well they played, is unfair.
Mmmm you have plenty of reasons in what you say, but i think this time he can win the most legitimated award.
Take a look at this, he can be the top goalscorer (its only 1 behind) and can be the guy with most assist in the tournament, its also one behind.
Plus he is making all in Argentina.
December 13, 2022, 09:55:19 AM
The final Croatia - France would be great, but it would be so good that I don't believe it can happen. Most likely, we will see Argentina in the final, and in the near future all news sites will again be filled with fanboys' comments about the "greatness" of Messi
By the way, suppose France wins this World Cup. Mbappe will already be a 2-time champion (at such a young age ). Now his decision to stay in the farm league and not make records with Real Madrid or another top club looks not just stupid but like a mistake of a lifetime lol.
By the way, suppose France wins this World Cup. Mbappe will already be a 2-time champion (at such a young age
). Now his decision to stay in the farm league and not make records with Real Madrid or another top club looks not just stupid but like a mistake of a lifetime lol.Well I never hid my admiration for Messi but it does get sickening to see all the fanboy GOAT talk especially when he and Ronaldo are compared with nonsense stats. They are both greats, but there are plenty of other amazing footballers to be admired. Modric is the simplest, but look at Moroccan heroes now too
Mbappe at PSG was a big "waste" but he is still young and can play at least 2 more World Cups!
Today in the news I saw another "leak" that Messi is already the favorite for the Ballon d'Or this season
It reminds me of the level of drug delirium when Xavi and Iniesta won everything at the national team level, but Messi received the awards. I understand that all these awards have been a shame for a long time (like City was the best club last season, and Real was only the third), but it's really annoying. And the fact that unpromoted players are ignored in the distribution of rewards, no matter how well they played, is unfair.
December 13, 2022, 09:01:19 AM
Argentina has a solid fact in their advantage,well I don't know if it can be called like that but Argentina has never been eliminated in the semi finals in their whole history of the world cup tournaments,they won it in 1986 because of Maradona and it is now up to Messi to make a huge nation happy again by achieving this great achievement,not easy to do but I believe that history repeats itself most of the time and I doubt it will not do it in the tomorrow semi final game.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
Everyone has a firm belief that Argentina can win the semi-finals. Because Argentina is stronger than Croatia in any aspect, looking at the past, Argentina won most of the games they faced with Croatia. Based on history and consensus on this conviction, Argentina will go to the final but Messi's conviction will use his experience to win. 2022 World Cup is Lionel Messi's last World Cup competition.
It will be a difficult game for sure but will Croatia be able to break the spell by eliminating Argentina in the semi-finals,something that to Argentina have never happened before,will they be that strong,I strongly doubt it although I believe a lot in the skills of Dalic as a team architect but I fear that won't be enough to stop this great Argentinian side.
This for me is the most important game from the two semi finals,I doubt Morocco vs France tomorrow will be half as good to watch as I am sure the game of tonight is going to be,can't wait a few more hours to enjoy.
December 13, 2022, 07:19:21 AM
Anyway, Croatia for you to final, right? They have so much final experience. Morocco I think has none. Experience is what will determine a final winner, that's always my pick. So in this case, I guess it will be Croatia world cup winner
The final Croatia - France would be great, but it would be so good that I don't believe it can happen. Most likely, we will see Argentina in the final, and in the near future all news sites will again be filled with fanboys' comments about the "greatness" of Messi
By the way, suppose France wins this World Cup. Mbappe will already be a 2-time champion (at such a young age
). Now his decision to stay in the farm league and not make records with Real Madrid or another top club looks not just stupid but like a mistake of a lifetime lol.Well I never hid my admiration for Messi but it does get sickening to see all the fanboy GOAT talk especially when he and Ronaldo are compared with nonsense stats. They are both greats, but there are plenty of other amazing footballers to be admired. Modric is the simplest, but look at Moroccan heroes now too
Mbappe at PSG was a big "waste" but he is still young and can play at least 2 more World Cups!
Anyway, Croatia for you to final, right? They have so much final experience. Morocco I think has none. Experience is what will determine a final winner, that's always my pick. So in this case, I guess it will be Croatia world cup winner
Experience is an important factor for sure. But in Argentina vs. Croatia, many players of Croatia and Argentina are very experienced. Messi will push his team for sure, it would be amazing for Messi to be world cup winner and he'll give everything for it. And we should not forget di Maria, who'll most likely come into the game 2nd half at least, or even first half already? We don't know yet. Of course, Modric will try to give everything, too.
Perisic and Kramaric aren't bad as well and Croatia has shown multiple times already against Brazil, Denmark, Belgium and Japan to be successful.
I'm expecting an interesting game, probably very tactical but could also be a game bringing us lots of goals, if one team scores early.
Very true, Croatia has more final experience in big competitions though, no disrespect for Copa America
di Maria, man, you think he deserves a start and then he sits it all out but that was genius now he is full refreshed and ready he should play a full game.
I don't really care who wins, Argentina is my choice I would love to see this in normal time if Croatia will allow it lol
On the other hand you have Modrić that consoled half of the Brazilian team after we kicked them out. That is how a true champion should behave.
For instance that year Modrić got the award for best player, Ronaldo as his teammate didn't even come to congratulate while Modrić was there happy as ever, every time Ronaldo got it.
Great players but poor excuses for human beings. And it gets worse every day when day fail their own impossibly high standards.
December 13, 2022, 04:53:26 AM
Argentina has a solid fact in their advantage,well I don't know if it can be called like that but Argentina has never been eliminated in the semi finals in their whole history of the world cup tournaments,they won it in 1986 because of Maradona and it is now up to Messi to make a huge nation happy again by achieving this great achievement,not easy to do but I believe that history repeats itself most of the time and I doubt it will not do it in the tomorrow semi final game.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
Everyone has a firm belief that Argentina can win the semi-finals. Because Argentina is stronger than Croatia in any aspect, looking at the past, Argentina won most of the games they faced with Croatia. Based on history and consensus on this conviction, Argentina will go to the final but Messi's conviction will use his experience to win. 2022 World Cup is Lionel Messi's last World Cup competition.
December 13, 2022, 02:53:44 AM
Anyway, Croatia for you to final, right? They have so much final experience. Morocco I think has none. Experience is what will determine a final winner, that's always my pick. So in this case, I guess it will be Croatia world cup winner
The final Croatia - France would be great, but it would be so good that I don't believe it can happen. Most likely, we will see Argentina in the final, and in the near future all news sites will again be filled with fanboys' comments about the "greatness" of Messi
By the way, suppose France wins this World Cup. Mbappe will already be a 2-time champion (at such a young age
). Now his decision to stay in the farm league and not make records with Real Madrid or another top club looks not just stupid but like a mistake of a lifetime lol.Well I never hid my admiration for Messi but it does get sickening to see all the fanboy GOAT talk especially when he and Ronaldo are compared with nonsense stats. They are both greats, but there are plenty of other amazing footballers to be admired. Modric is the simplest, but look at Moroccan heroes now too
Mbappe at PSG was a big "waste" but he is still young and can play at least 2 more World Cups!
Anyway, Croatia for you to final, right? They have so much final experience. Morocco I think has none. Experience is what will determine a final winner, that's always my pick. So in this case, I guess it will be Croatia world cup winner
Experience is an important factor for sure. But in Argentina vs. Croatia, many players of Croatia and Argentina are very experienced. Messi will push his team for sure, it would be amazing for Messi to be world cup winner and he'll give everything for it. And we should not forget di Maria, who'll most likely come into the game 2nd half at least, or even first half already? We don't know yet. Of course, Modric will try to give everything, too.
Perisic and Kramaric aren't bad as well and Croatia has shown multiple times already against Brazil, Denmark, Belgium and Japan to be successful.
I'm expecting an interesting game, probably very tactical but could also be a game bringing us lots of goals, if one team scores early.
Very true, Croatia has more final experience in big competitions though, no disrespect for Copa America
di Maria, man, you think he deserves a start and then he sits it all out but that was genius now he is full refreshed and ready he should play a full game.
I don't really care who wins, Argentina is my choice I would love to see this in normal time if Croatia will allow it lol
December 12, 2022, 09:54:47 PM
Argentina has a solid fact in their advantage,well I don't know if it can be called like that but Argentina has never been eliminated in the semi finals in their whole history of the world cup tournaments,they won it in 1986 because of Maradona and it is now up to Messi to make a huge nation happy again by achieving this great achievement,not easy to do but I believe that history repeats itself most of the time and I doubt it will not do it in the tomorrow semi final game.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
Everyone has a firm belief that Argentina can win the semi-finals. Because Argentina is stronger than Croatia in any aspect, looking at the past, Argentina won most of the games they faced with Croatia. Based on history and consensus on this conviction, Argentina will go to the final but Messi's conviction will use his experience to win. 2022 World Cup is Lionel Messi's last World Cup competition.
December 12, 2022, 09:48:15 PM
Anyway, Croatia for you to final, right? They have so much final experience. Morocco I think has none. Experience is what will determine a final winner, that's always my pick. So in this case, I guess it will be Croatia world cup winner
Experience is an important factor for sure. But in Argentina vs. Croatia, many players of Croatia and Argentina are very experienced. Messi will push his team for sure, it would be amazing for Messi to be world cup winner and he'll give everything for it. And we should not forget di Maria, who'll most likely come into the game 2nd half at least, or even first half already? We don't know yet. Of course, Modric will try to give everything, too.
Perisic and Kramaric aren't bad as well and Croatia has shown multiple times already against Brazil, Denmark, Belgium and Japan to be successful.
I'm expecting an interesting game, probably very tactical but could also be a game bringing us lots of goals, if one team scores early.
December 12, 2022, 06:50:05 PM
Argentina has a solid fact in their advantage,well I don't know if it can be called like that but Argentina has never been eliminated in the semi finals in their whole history of the world cup tournaments,they won it in 1986 because of Maradona and it is now up to Messi to make a huge nation happy again by achieving this great achievement,not easy to do but I believe that history repeats itself most of the time and I doubt it will not do it in the tomorrow semi final game.
There is a first time for everything and Croatia took their scalp four years ago in World Cup, even with Messi playing in Argentina team.This could play in Argentina favor this time because they will take them much more serious and prepare better for them.
Just don't expect from Croatian player to give up easily, after they eliminated Brazil one of the biggest rivals of Argentina.
December 12, 2022, 10:29:14 AM
Argentina has a solid fact in their advantage,well I don't know if it can be called like that but Argentina has never been eliminated in the semi finals in their whole history of the world cup tournaments,they won it in 1986 because of Maradona and it is now up to Messi to make a huge nation happy again by achieving this great achievement,not easy to do but I believe that history repeats itself most of the time and I doubt it will not do it in the tomorrow semi final game.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
Even Messi said we are spectacular and we are going to win,don't know if it was because of euphoria or because he really thinks it.
December 12, 2022, 10:02:17 AM
If any thing we learn about this World Cup its we can expect all the surprises available.
But talking seriously, Argentina team its really solid, see this:
Shots on target received by game:
Against Arabia Saudi : 2 (2 goals conceded)
Against Mexico : 1
Against Poland : 0
Against Australia: 1 (one goal conceded)
Against Netherlands : 2 and 2 goals conceded.
As you can see Argentina its playing a really solid game, but its having really bad luck, they shoot and we receive a goal. And its not fault of the Goalkeeper were great goals.
About Croatia, really good and strong team, i think the 2018 game have nothing compared to this, that Argentina was a disaster, it was a fight between the manager and the players, and some players also went to a fight literally (Mascherano was one).
Also i remember Caballero making a enormuos mistake in that game.
But talking seriously, Argentina team its really solid, see this:
Shots on target received by game:
Against Arabia Saudi : 2 (2 goals conceded)
Against Mexico : 1
Against Poland : 0
Against Australia: 1 (one goal conceded)
Against Netherlands : 2 and 2 goals conceded.
As you can see Argentina its playing a really solid game, but its having really bad luck, they shoot and we receive a goal. And its not fault of the Goalkeeper were great goals.
About Croatia, really good and strong team, i think the 2018 game have nothing compared to this, that Argentina was a disaster, it was a fight between the manager and the players, and some players also went to a fight literally (Mascherano was one).
Also i remember Caballero making a enormuos mistake in that game.
December 12, 2022, 06:40:53 AM
I think you understood what I meant. There are top teams, such as Brazil and Germany, which, even without winning anything, will always be considered favorites everywhere and everyone will discuss them, and there are "average" teams that even if they win something (for example, World Cup silver) will always be rated as "average". There are only three games left and of course I am waiting for the continuation of the Croatian fairy tale, and in the second pair the result is indifferent to me (maybe this will finally help me predict without fan bias, lol).
Germany, I keep getting reminded by my friends here just how dumb I was to pick them to win. I know the squad is not as strong as it was before but still, sometimes Germans just smash everyone. Then I saw how they played. Anyway, even dumber was to pick them for the outright promo at SB. And yet it was the best thing for me in a way. Imagine only winning 1 game, so 1 chip. But winning big on roulette with the freechip.
Anyway, Croatia for you to final, right? They have so much final experience. Morocco I think has none. Experience is what will determine a final winner, that's always my pick. So in this case, I guess it will be Croatia world cup winner
The final Croatia - France would be great, but it would be so good that I don't believe it can happen. Most likely, we will see Argentina in the final, and in the near future all news sites will again be filled with fanboys' comments about the "greatness" of Messi
By the way, suppose France wins this World Cup. Mbappe will already be a 2-time champion (at such a young age
). Now his decision to stay in the farm league and not make records with Real Madrid or another top club looks not just stupid but like a mistake of a lifetime lol. Jump to: