Online betting players have watched Argentina roll through Group B so far, and the favorites can top the group if they can manage a point in Tuesday’s final match against Greece. The Greeks, however, need at least a point to keep their hopes of advancing to the next stage alive, and they put on their best defensive showing of the tournament to keep the Argentineans at bay.
What: World Cup Betting
When: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2:30 PM ET
Where: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Key Stats: Argentina beat Greece 4-0 in their lone meeting
The Storyline
You could argue that Argentina has been the most consistent team in the World Cup so far after their comprehensive 4-1 romp over South Korea, and even though Lionel Messi has yet to score, he’s been an absolute terror for La Albiceleste. Argentina can wrap up the group with a draw, while Greece needs to do better than South Korea, who they are tied on three points with. The Greeks edged Nigeria 2-1 in their last match, but they’ll need the effort of their lives against the Argentineans.
Who Has The Pick On Offense: Argentina Greece Betting
Messi has been a handful to his first two opponents, and there’s probably no scarier sight for a defender than seeing the 22-year-old running at you, with the ball, at full speed. After missing a slew of chances in their first match, Gonzalo Higaiun was clinical against South Korea, coming away with a hat trick. But thanks to all the attention that Messi receives, there’s a lot of space for the Argentineans.
The Greeks just scored their first goals in their second World Cup appearance and fifth game in their history, as Vasilis Torosidis and Dimitrios Salpingidis found the back of the net. Still, Greece never took control of the match until after Nigeria’s Sani Kaita was sent off in the 33rd minute. The Ethniki have never been an offensive juggernaut, not even when they won Euro 2004, and they’re going to have to improve if Greece wants a chance of beating Argentina.
Pick: Argetina
Who Has The Pick In Defense: Argentina Greece Betting
Argentina’s best idea of a good defense is a good offense, as they possess the ball the so much that the opposition doesn’t have many chances to get good scoring opportunities. They may stick with that as Walter Samuel left after 22 minutes of the South Korea match with a thigh problem and could miss this match. It probably won’t mean a lot playing Greece, but Samuel is Argentina’s best defender and they can’t afford to lose him for long.
For being such a great defensive team, Greece has allowed three goals in two matches, and even when Nigeria went down to 10 men, the Greeks still gave up a few scoring chances. Greece plays hard and they’re a battling team, but they’re just short on talent, and that will show against the Argentineans.
Pick: Argentina
Notable Injuries – Argentina Greece Betting
Samuel (thigh) may be held out of this match as the Argentineans have one foot in the next stage already.
Greece has a clean bill of health heading into this match.
Pick: Greece
Totals – Argentina Greece Betting
Manager Diego Maradona said that he wouldn’t rest any of his players, including Messi, so the Argentineans should have a full squad, but can they break down Greece’s stubborn attack? They don’t have much at stake, so we’re not certain.
Pick: Under 2.5
Argentina Greece Sports betting & Outlook
Argentina is a -170 favorite in this contest, while Greece is listed at +500, and a draw is rated at +260. These two countries have met just once, with Argentina claiming a 4-0 victory, and this could be a similar scoreline if Messi gets loose. We’re worried about Argentina taking their foot off the gas because they’re already through, and the Greeks need a result badly. Greece is a proud team and they’re generally well-organized thanks to manager Otto Rehhagel, and they’ll fight hard to get a draw against the Argentineans, who despite Maradona’s claims, would do well to rest some of their best players to improve their sports betting odds down the line.
Bet World Cup: Draw +260