FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi-Finals Betting Tips

By Benson Chikezie, Senior Author

If any stage at the World Cup comes with a do-or-die feeling all over, it has to be the semi-finals. Sometimes in football, the pressure is higher when you are two steps away from the trophy than when you are one foot away. All that pressure, desperation, and such high stakes present the perfect opportunity for football betting lovers to capitalize on and make the most of their stakes in games where anything is possible.

In Qatar 2022, hostilities will resume again in the quadrennial FIFA World Cup, and several teams will set their eyes on nothing less than a semi-final finish. With the presence of star forwards like Lionel Messi, KylianMbappe, Sadio Mane, and Neymar, imposing midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro, and towering defenders like Antonio Rudiger, Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo, the 2022 edition promises so much excitement.

The semi-finals will occur between the 13th and 14th of December, 2022. The first semi-final match will kick off at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Tuesday, December 13, while the second semi-final will be held at All Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, December 14.

How Do The World Cup Semi-Finals Work?

The World Cup semi-final is the tournament’s penultimate round determining which teams will feature as finalists on the tournament’s final day. The stage features four teams and is designed to follow a knockout format. Each team has 90 minutes, extendable to 120, or a penalty shootout to decide if they will play for the big trophy or in the 3rd place match. The teams that win both semi-final matches will meet in the final, while the losing sides will play a third-place match.

Brief History of the World Cup Semi-Finals

The current World Cup format of 32 teams and a 16-team knockout stage came into use in 1998, and after the Qatar 2022 edition, the next tournament will adopt a new 48-team format. Yet, a 4-team knockout stage (semi-finals) has endured through the different formats, only failing to feature in 1934, 1938, 1974, and 1978 editions.

The earliest World Cup semi-finals featured four teams who had won their respective groups (the 1930 edition) by acquiring the most points. The stage progressed to feature match winners after a knockout stage of eight teams before disappearing to return first as a group-winner knockout stage before the 16-team knockout stages came into play.

In 1930, semi-final losing teams did not play a third-place match. In 1934 and 1938, draws in semi-finals were resolved by a replay, and penalty shootouts were adopted in 1974. It would help if you had the knockout format in mind when placing your bets because most match bets use regular time (90 minutes) as their basis.

Iconic Moments in World Cup Semi-Final History

  • Diego Maradona, when he featured for SSC Napoli, broke Italian hearts in the 1990 World Cup semi-final. Argentina versus Italy dragged on to penalty shootouts, and Maradona scored Argentina’s winning penalty.
  • One of Ronaldo’s most memorable World Cup goals for Brazil came in the 1998 semi-final against The Netherlands. The striker fought through Philip Cocu and Frank de Boer to fire a left-footed finish past Edwin van der Sar.
  • Bobby Charlton claimed the spoils when it mattered most over Portugal’s Eusebio in the 1966 semi-final between England and Portugal. He fired a brace which was enough to take England to the final, which they went on to win.
  • In what is widely perceived as the game of the century in world football, Italy and Gerd Muller’s West Germany played an intriguing 4-3 semi-final which went Italy’s way. However, Gerd Muller scored twice in extra time.
  • In 1958, 17-year-old Pele announced himself on the World Cup stage with a blistering hat-trick against France in the semi-finals. Pele’s three goals came in 23 minutes, and Brazil went on to win by five goals to two.

Exciting Facts About The World Cup Semi-Finals

  • Germany has the most semi-final appearances in history with 13.
  • Germany also holds the record for the most consecutive semi-final appearances with four in a row.
  • Only 16 countries have qualified for the semi-finals without ever winning the tournament.
  • Serbia, Bulgaria, Russia, and South Korea are the only teams who have reached the semi-finals without ever winning.

FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Usual Suspects

Several big names in world football have had promising campaigns, while others are conspicuously missing on football’s grandest stage. Here are the usual semi-final suspects:

Brazil

The Seleçao have won the most World Cup titles (5) but have fewer semi-final appearances than Germany with 11 as against the latter’s 13. They finished as runners-up, third-place winners, and fourth on two occasions. Come Qatar 2022, they will have another chance to reach the semi-finals and are even favorites to win the tournament.

Germany

Add one title, then Germany can claim bragging rights as the best performers in World Cup history. They have 13 semi-final appearances and finished as champions, runners-up, and in third place on four occasions each, with one fourth-place finish. They have another opportunity to reach the semi-finals come Qatar 2022.

Italy

Italy failed to qualify for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, but their place as one of the best performing teams at the tournament is undisputed. They have eight semi-final appearances to their name, winning the trophy on four occasions. They finished as runners-up twice (in 1970 and 1994), as third-place winners in 1990, and fourth place in 1978.

France

Currently defending champions, France have appeared in the World Cup semi-finals on six occasions – in 1958, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2006, and 2018. They won the tournament in 1998 and 2018, finished second in 2006, third in 1958 and 1986, and fourth in 1982. They will look to defend their crown at Qatar 2022 and to secure a 7th semi-final appearance.

Argentina

One would think Albiceleste’s array of talent over the years should have produced more World Cup semi-final appearances, but they have only managed five – in 1930, 1978, 1986, 1990, and 2014. They won the tournament on two of those five occasions and finished as runners-up on the remaining three occasions. They will get another chance at Qatar 2022.

Uruguay

With two titles to its name, Uruguay has appeared in five World Cup semi-finals – in 1930, 1950, 1954, 1970, and 2010. Apart from the two occasions when they won the tournament, the remaining semi-final appearances ended in fourth-place finishes. They have dropped off the pace recently and are not favorites to reach the semi-finals at Qatar 2022.

Netherlands

The Oranje are widely touted as the best side yet to win the World Cup, and for a good reason. They have featured in the semi-finals five times – in 1974, 1978, 1998, 2010, and 2014 – and their most recent appearance (2014) produced a third-place finish. They will have another chance at Qatar 2022.

Sweden

With the lowest semi-final appearances of any team in this group, Sweden has reached the World Cup semi-finals four times – 1938, 1950, 1958, and 1994. After falling to Poland in their World Cup qualifier playoff match, Sweden failed to qualify for the Qatar 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Which Teams Are Likely to Get to The Semi-Finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Based on current form, fitness, and tournament experience and in no particular order, here are the favorites to reach the semi-finals in Qatar:

Argentina

Desperation and a hungry Lionel Messi can decide matches, and Argentina can boast both. The diminutive superstar is featuring in what appears to be his last hurrah at the World Cup, and the chorus in Argentina is to “win it for Leo.” They will be a tough match for any team and will likely reach the semi-finals.

Portugal

Although Portugal may be outsiders going into the tournament, you can only underrate this team at your peril. They have an aging but hungry Cristiano Ronaldo, who is also playing his last World Cup, and an array of attacking talent in Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes. Fernando Santos seems to know how to get the most out of his squad, so we expect them to do enough to reach the semi-finals.

Brazil

World No. 1 on the FIFA Men’s Rankings and favorites to win the tournament, Brazil’s place on this list is without contest. They boast one of the most exciting and solid squads at the World Cup, and will grossly underperform if they cannot manage a semi-final appearance, at least. We expect fireworks from the Seleçao, and they often do not fail to deliver.

Belgium

Belgium’s golden generation may soon die out, but they are up for the last hurrah at Qatar 2022. After managing a fourth-place finish in 2018, they will look to do one better in 2022, and this will require them to reach the semis again. Although it will be no easy feat, reaching the semi-finals is possible for Roberto Martinez’s side, which has an inspired Kevin de Bruyne.

England

English football fans have been singing “It’s coming home” for a while now. Will it come home this time?

England has not won the World Cup since their maiden victory in 1966. After the disappointment of the golden generation that had the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Paul Scholes, they have renewed hope in the new crop of emerging stars under the tutelage of Gareth Southgate. They qualified for the semi-finals in 2018 and will likely repeat the feat in Qatar this year.

Germany

Another side with a lot to prove is Germany, who certainly knows how to turn up in this tournament. They have the most semi-final appearances and will hope to find their feet again after a disappointing 2018 campaign. With a ruthless Hansi Flick at the helm, Germany has found itself among the World Cup favorites, and we expect them to pull off a semi-final showing, at least.

France

Didier Deschamps and his side will go to Qatar in 2022 as defending champions, and they know several teams are looking to take their crown. France will not be easy to displace, as they have several in-form players in world football. Stars alone do not win tournaments, but we expect France to seal a semi-final appearance at Qatar 2022.

Also, watch out for outsiders like Spain, Netherlands, Poland, and Croatia as they gave enough potential to pull off magical upsets.

BetNinjas FIFA World Cup 2022 Semi-Finals Betting Tips & Predictions

Although only two teams can win the semi-finals, here are four of the most likely winners, and here’s why they stand a great chance to progress to the final if they qualify for the semis:

Brazil

The Brazilian national team occupies the favorite position ahead of Qatar 2022, and the quality they boast is something special. With established and hungry players in every possible position on the pitch, they are well-placed as the highest ranking team in men’s football.

We expect Neymar Jr and Vinicius Junior to work their magic, backed up by a star-studded forward line featuring Philippe Coutinho, Richarlison, Raphinha, Antony, etc. Brazil is the team to beat in this year’s World Cup, and if they reach the semis, it could prove unbeatable.

England

The Three Lions are another side with something to prove, having managed a third-place finish in Russia in 2018. They have arguably some of the best players in club football and have a penchant for grinding out victories. If Gareth Southgate’s men reach the semis at Qatar 2022, they would be favorites to win, especially with the likes of Harry Kane leading the line.

Argentina

While Argentina has long had to depend on Lionel Messi’s brilliance, they have proven over the last couple of years to be more than a Messi team. The likes of Angel di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Paulo Dybala, Giovanni Lo Celso, and Rodrigo De Paul have stepped up, and the Albiceleste are on a 35-match unbeaten streak. If they carry this form into the World Cup, they may be impossible to stop if they reach the semi-finals.

France

Didier Deschamps has his hands full this time, with several new talents breaking out for France at the senior level and veterans like Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud hitting full stride in 2022. France boasts arguably the strongest side in this year’s World Cup and is the defending champion.

It remains to be seen if they can conjure the magic that produced the trophy in 2018, but with an in-form KylianMbappe, anything and everything is possible. If they make it to the semis, France may be unstoppable.

Best Betting Sites in India for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals

For their reliability, regulatory compliance, swift processing of deposits and withdrawals, competitive odds, and streamlined sports betting experience, we have handpicked the following websites where you can bet on the 2022 World Cup semi-finals:

22Bet

22Bet is a leading sports betting website in India with gambling licenses from the Government of Curacao and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. The website offers a wide array of football betting markets, with an exclusive section for the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.

New 22bet users in India can enjoy mouthwatering bonuses, starting with a 100% welcome bonus on their first deposit, up to INR 10,000. The 22bet platform is optimized for Indians, and you can easily change your preferred language to Hindi. The website offers several swift deposit and withdrawal methods. Terms and conditions apply.

Parimatch

Parimatch is licensed in Curacao, and the platform has a unique interface that makes it stand out among its peers. Offering a wide range of features and sports betting markets, Parimatch is gaining popularity in India. You can bet on the World Cup semi-final once markets open.

The website offers a 150% welcome bonus on first deposits for new users in India, offering up to INR 20,000 (terms and conditions apply). Parimatch supports cryptocurrency deposits amidst numerous flexible deposit and withdrawal methods, and Indian users can also bet on popular games and sports like AndarBahar and cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Teams Are Likely to Qualify for the Semi-Finals?
Brazil, France, Germany, Argentina, England, Belgium, Portugal, and other top dogs are huge favorites to qualify for the semi-finals.
Can I Bet on the World Cup 2022 Semi-Finals Already?
Not yet. Markets for the 2022 World Cup semi-finals will open when the semifinalists are confirmed during the tournament.
When Will the 2022 World Cup Semi-Finals Start?
The semi-finals will begin on December 13 and end on December 14.
Which Teams are Likely to Progress to the Finals?
Football is an uncertain sport, but we at BetNinjas tip Brazil, England, France, or Argentina to make it to the final.

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