A stunning end to Group C as Argentina sealed the top spot by beating Poland 2-0. Lining up against one of the favourites to win the tournament is Australia, who impressed in their respective group to clinch second place. The Socceroos had their hopes cut short after going ahead against France but ended up losing the game 4-1. Nevertheless, two successive victories over Tunisia and Denmark got them through. It’s fairytale stuff for the fans in Australia, seeing their team win back-to-back games in the FIFA World Cup.
In the FIFA rankings, these two teams have a huge disparity with Argentina ranked in third place whilst Australia is ranked in 38th place. It will be one of the shocks of the tournament should Australia edge through from this tie.
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ARGENTINA
The first-game setback against Saudi Arabia was not ideal, but that spearheaded the team to two incredible performances against Poland and Mexico, keeping a clean sheet in both matches. The control that they had over the game against Poland was incredible, and one could see that they meant business from the first whistle. Some changes in the attacking phase were made, with Julian Alvarez getting the nod ahead of Lautrao Martinez, and he took his chance to shie on the big stage once again.
Lionel Messi failed to convert from the penalty spot after an incredible save from Wojciech Szczęsny to prevent going behind in the break. Apart from the penalty miss, Lionel Messi was exceptional, dropping deep from his usual position to pick up the ball and run through challenges and break the defensive lines. We are expecting another masterclass from one of the best footballers that the world has ever seen.
A -2.00 handicap for Argentina is priced at 51/50 (2.02)
Argentina to score in both halves at 4/5 (1.80)
Argentina to win to nil at 4/7 (1.57)
Di Maria to get on the scoresheet at 8/5 (2.60), whilst Lionel Messi is at 13/25 (1.52)
AUSTRALIA
Oh what a campaign it has been for the Socceroos, with most of the supporters thinking all is lost after the damaging 4-1 defeat against France. A similar task awaits ahead of them as Argentina will deprive Australia of possession of the ball, forcing them back into their box. A similar performance as the one against Denmark will be needed, with a great defensive display and a counter-attacking break that will put pressure on the Argentinian defence.
It was very much backs-to-the-wall defending from the Socceroos as they blocked five Danish shots on goal throughout the match, as Graham Arnold’s side kept another clean sheet. That will give them great motivation and confidence which, despite the huge amounts of pressure faced, they still managed to hold on.
Mitchell Duke to score anytime during the match at 5/1 (6.00)
Australia to be the last team to score in the match at 23/4 (6.75)
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Argentina is at 1/5 (1.20) to win the match whilst Australia are at 15/1 (16.00) and a draw priced at 32/5 (7.40).
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing