Semifinals Predictions

Throughout this World Cup, we have learned many things.

First, red cards can be overturned less than 24 hours before a match if the President of the United States asks nicely.

Second, VAR is almost never used correctly.

Third, and most importantly, the chip inside the soccer ball can detect when it brushes against a player's hair...but apparently can't detect when it hits a camera wire.

It's been a weird World Cup.

The 48 teams at the start of the Cup are down to the final four. If it weren’t for Norway getting unlucky (or screwed over, depending on who you ask) I would have gone four for four in my predictions. I guess this is karma for me now, believing in Norway after I predicted them to come in last (still have no idea why I did that).

Anyways onto the semifinals.

France vs Spain

This feels like the real World Cup final.

In the knockout rounds, Spain has looked like Spain. They've dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and made life miserable for opposing attacks. It took until the quarterfinals against Belgium for them to finally concede their first goal of the tournament.

France, meanwhile, has the deadliest attack in the World Cup. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué can change a game in an instant. If Spain makes even one mistake, France has the firepower to make them pay.

It's the unstoppable force versus the immovable object.

As good as Spain has looked throughout the tournament, I just can’t overlook France’s overall talent. France wins a nailbiter.

France 2, Spain 1

Argentina vs England 

Lionel Messi's last ride vs. It's Coming Home!

Argentina has looked shaky at times, but they've always found a way to win. They've done it convincingly—mostly in the group stage—and they've grinded out results when they haven't been at their best. That's what champions do.

One thing I do know: if Argentina gets another VAR decision or close call that goes its way, social media is going to have an absolute field day. My timeline will immediately fill up with people claiming FIFA is corrupt (as if we haven't heard that one a million times) and that the tournament is rigged for Argentina. Whether that's true or not, you just know those posts are coming.

England just beat Norway and sent Erling Haaland home. They survived Mexico in the high altitude. They have found ways to win every single game, even when things haven't been easy.

That has been the biggest difference with this England team. In previous tournaments, they always seemed to find a way to break hearts. This time, they are finding ways to survive.

Now they are one win away from a World Cup final, and the dream of "It's Coming Home" is louder than ever.

England has the better overall team but Argentina has Messi. I think Argentina is gonna find a way to win this.

Argentina 3, England 2

If you are a England or Spain fan you should be happy, because I have never been perfect in these predictions. This means one of you is going to the finals!

Quarterfinals record:3-1

Overall record: 20-8