Croatia vs. England Prediction
England is two wins away from its second-ever World Cup trophy, with 1966 being the only year it claimed the title. Will England advance to the championship match with a victory today or is it going to be Croatia that moves on to face France for the ultimate prize?
Game Snapshot
97884 England vs. 97885 Croatia
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Luzhniki Stadium at 2PM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, England is a +125 favorite to win on the moneyline. Croatia is a +243 underdog, while a draw bet is set at +205. The over-under is set at 2 goals.
Croatia outlasts Russia in thriller
The Croatians overcame host Russia in the quarterfinals as the score was 1-1 through regulation and then each team scored in extra time before Croatia finished it off on penalty kicks. Russia grabbed a 1-0 advantage in the 31st minute, but Croatia managed to even it at 1-1 in the 39th minute on a score from Andrej Kramaric. The score remained that way through regulation until Croatia grabbed a 2-1 lead in the 101st minute as Domagaj Vida scored the go-ahead goal. But Russia was not to be denied as it found the equalizer courtesy of Mario Fernandes in the 115th minute. Croatia then took the upper hand early in the penalty shootout and eventually won 4-3 to punch its ticket to the semifinals. Croatia had 64 percent of the possession, firing 17 shots but only three of them were on net. The winning side also was called for 18 fouls including four yellow cards, while it manufactured eight corner kicks.
England eases to win over Sweden
With a 2-0 victory over Sweden in the quarterfinals, England advanced to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1990. The lone time England has woth the World Cup trophy is all the way back in 1966. A header off a cross in the 30th minute by Harry Maguire. A spectacular feed to Dele Alli resulted in the insurance goal in the 59th minute to make it a 2-0 game. England held 57 percent of the possession, which it turned into 12 shots including two on goal. Sweden had seven shots with three on goal. England was whistled for seven fouls (one yellow card), while it had six corner kicks.
Prediction:
England is on a mission and it’s been evident with each match, including the loss to Belgium which was probably the smartest thing it has done in the tournament as it earned an easier draw in the knockout stages. I can’t see the English losing such an important match to a squad that most recently allowed a far inferrior Russia squad a chance in a shootout.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: ENGLAND +125