Matt Doherty's World Cup diary | 13 December

Matt Doherty's World Cup diary continues as we reach the last four in Qatar...

Today's semi-final

Argentina v Croatia (7pm)

Our players in action

Cristian Romero, Ivan Perisic

Quarter-final review

Matt: "Croatia-Brazil wasn't a huge shock, yes, a bit surprised, but there was impossible amounts of pressure on Brazil in that penalty shoot-out. They'll feel like they should have probably put the game to bed. Livakovic, the Croatia goalkeeper, was very good. To be fair, they scored a really well-worked goal. Croatia have all that experience. You can't buy that or coach it into players, you build it over time. For such a small nation, they really do produce some players. Also, delighted for Ivan, reaching another semi-final. They'll have their work cut out in the semi-finals, but fair play to them so far. Holland-Argentina, what a game to watch. Holland weren't in it for the majority, 2-0 down, but decided to go route one and it worked. That set piece they scored right at the end was one of the best I've ever seen, considering what was at stake, right in front of goal, no-one expected that. What courage to take that set piece at that time, magnificent imagination. I did say Emi Martinez would probably win a shoot-out for Argentina, and that was the case. Morocco-Portugal... Portugal were disappointing. I said Morocco could do something, they're athletic, fast, fit, well-organised and have some top players who play for top clubs. Also, they have momentum. It just shows every nation is getting closer and closer. I thought England played well against France, to be fair, and France didn't really get going. I feel like France had one attempt at goal and scored twice - the first wasn't even a half-chance. England looked dangerous. Harry obviously scored the first penalty, and then everyone knows what happened. That's tough on him. These things happen. Pretty much everyone who knows 'H' would have put their house on him scoring, everyone knows he's the best man for the job. It will be tough for him now but when he gets back in, we'll rally around him and get him up and running again. He'll be fine. He's one of the strongest characters, mentally, that we all know."

Argentina v Croatia

Matt: "Cuti against Ivan. I've got to stick with Argentina. Again, they've been defending well, Croatia don't have too much going forward, although I've said that a few times! I can just see Messi doing something magical, and they'll win 1-0, 2-0 max. I just fancy Argentina to get the job done."

Key man

Matt: "If he's not injured - I'm not sure if he's fully fit - then I'll go for Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina. He's playing well in midfield, up and down, has a good relationship with Messi, always trying to find him. He's able to run with the ball and make runs off. If he's fit, he's my key man."

Prediction

Matt: "1-0 or 2-0, max, Argentina. I can't see Croatia scoring."