World Cup - Semifinals Update

Messi, Messi, Messi.  He is inevitable isn't he.

Yesterday's match pitted semifinalists Argentina and Croatia with each other with a World Cup final match on the line.  Argentina drew first blood as Julian Álvarez drew a penalty and Messi converted it in the 34' to take a lead.  Not content with just the one goal lead, Messi found Álvarez to make it 2-0 in teh 39', taking a 2-0 lead into half.  In the 2nd half Messi tied a bow on the thing, absolutely rinsing Joško Gvardiol to get into the box and find Álvarez for his second goal of the match, and the dagger in the coffin.  The second-effort campaign ends for Luka Modrić and the Croatians, as Argentina move on to Sunday's final.

Today's match was between reigning champions France, and underdogs Morocco trying to unseat them.  France struck early as Theo Hernández's miraculous strike in the 5' found the back of the net to put the champs in front.  France weathered the Moroccan onslaught for the better part of the next hour, until Kylian Mbappé skipped through 5 Moroccan defenders to find Randal Kolo Muani for the easy tap-in and 2-0 lead.  France held on to win by 2, and have a date to try to ruin Messi's story on Sunday in Lusail stadium.

Model Summary

Odds Changes in Round

Knockout Stage Current State / Projection

Finals forecast