World Cup semifinal predictions: Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi win for France vs. Morocco and Argentina vs. Croatia, respectively.

This World Cup, which consists of 64 games, is almost over. There are only four games left before the winner is declared with 60 games played. The semifinal matches between France and Morocco and Argentina and Croatia will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday. With France and Croatia still one game apart, 2018 final is still a possibility, but this tournament has taught us to be prepared for the unexpected. Who knows how this will all turn out in the semifinals, but let’s give it a shot, shall we?

How to view Croatia vs. Argentina

• Tuesday, December 13 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time
  The Lusail Ionic Stadium is situated in Lusail, Qatar.
  FOX on TV; fuboTV for live streaming (Try for free)

Predictions for Croatia vs. Argentina

One matchup to watch: 

Watch this contest between Luka Modric and Rodrigo de Paul — De Paul has served as Argentina’s middle-pressure player, aiding the defense with his tireless running and tracking down. Despite Modric’s lack of mobility, De Paul should be the one to mark him in the attacking third and try to take the ball out of his feet.

Lionel Messi has the highest likelihood of scoring — He is the team’s top danger in attack, the set piece taker, and the penalty taker. He has been everywhere this World Cup and ranks second in the competition in goals scored with four. Additionally, he scored in both Australia’s and Netherlands’ knockout stage contests.

Pick for Game’s Man of the Match: Emiliano Martinez Messi might be Argentina’s best player, but “Dibu” is the team’s soul and heart. The trash-talking, cocky goalkeeper gets cocky whenever the ball comes his way, and after giving up two goals to the Netherlands, he is undoubtedly furious. He will play a significant role in Argentina’s chances of winning. Match prognosis: Messi advances to the championship game with a stirring effort that ends up being close. Croatia 1, Argentina 2.

Streaming France vs. Morocco

• Date: December 14; time: 2:00 p.m. ET
  Al Bayt Stadium is located in Al Khor, Qatar.

Predictions for Morocco vs. France

One game to keep an eye on Aurelien Tchouameni, who scored an incredible first-half goal against the Three Lions last Saturday, will be necessary if France is to prevail in the battle of the midfields in Al Khor. The 22-year-old, who has been helped by Adrien Rabiot, has performed admirably thus far in Qatar. The in-form Sofyan Amrabat, however, represents maybe his hardest test so far. For the Moroccans, Azzedine Ounahi has also excelled, but Amrabat vs. Tchouameni is undoubtedly the matchup of the night.

Most likely to score: Kylian Mbappe will be eager to make up for lost time and to add to his five-goal total in this tournament after he was restrained against England. On Wednesday, the superstar of Paris Saint-Germain will face off against Achraf Hakimi, a club teammate, and may very likely receive a few chances considering how Hakimi likes to come forward, which leaves space. Although Youssef En Nesyri and Olivier Giroud are both good prospects, Mbappe is the front-runner to score at least once.

Pick for Man of the Match: Given that so much passes through him and considering his recent creativity for France, Antoine Griezmann is a strong candidate. Hugo Lloris may need to put in a strong effort in goal to maintain the clean sheet for Les Bleus given that Amrabat, Ounahi, Romain Saiss, and Sofiane Boufal have all been playing exceptionally well this winter.