Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
This match was basically proclaimed as “the weaker one” of the two World Cup semifinals. The match between Belgium and France is expected to bring some amazing football, as two sides are stuffed with high quality players. But the match between Croatia and England is the one that could be even more interesting. Croatia are in their second World Cup semifinal, while England have waited for almost three decades to fight for the chance of playing the great final. That could bring us a spectacle.
Croatia
Croatia are a team that were projected to get to the semifinal once Russia managed to beat shaky Spain side. They had to beat Denmark and Russia on their way to the last four, but they did not manage to do it against either of the two teams. However, their penalty taking proved to be of high quality and the wins were not necessary. They got past both teams after shoot-outs, showing their composure. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are leading this side with world class quality and experience, while Mario Mandzukic, Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic bring a mixture of sheer quality, speed and physical strength. They will not be an easy job for England, far from it, though it remains to be seen whether they could all look a bit tired after playing 240 minutes of football instead of 180 in those knockout rounds. Croatia will want to reach their first World Cup final, after failing to do so in 1998 against France. The magnitude of this match could unsettle any side, but Croatia seem to know what they are doing, even though they were far from amazing against Denmark and Russia.
Team News
Zlatko Dalic will have all of his 22 players at disposal. None of the players got suspended for two yellow cards throughout the tournament.
England
Is it time? England have waited for so long to get to final stages of a World Cup. It has been 28 years since that summer in Italy when England failed to win the penalty shoot-out and reach the last match. It has also been 52 years since England have become the world champions. This side will want to etch themselves into the history books by beating Croatia. After losing 1-0 to Belgium, England really have been in the easier side of the draw and they duly used that to their strengths. It was Colombia first who was beaten in the shoot-out, showing to the world that this is a new team. Against Sweden, the difference in quality was obvious. They maybe made it possible for Germany to go out as the last placed team of their group, but this England side was a bit too much for them. England’s 3-5-2 seems to be working so far. The Three Lions maybe have issues creating chances from open play, but they are also shutting oppositions’ attacks. Even when they do not, there is Jordan Pickford to make incredible saves. This young side may be missing experience of some other teams, but their spirit and child-like euphoria could propel them into history once more.
Team News
Gareth Southgate will have all of his players at disposal for the match against Croatia.
Conclusion
This is a tough choice and I went for both teams scoring. I could see this turning into a bit of a frantic match, as both teams are playing the biggest match of their generation and nerves could play a part in all of that. Both teams to score? Why not?
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
england to win