Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Argentina vs. Australia | Group Stage, World Cup Qatar 2022
Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Argentina vs. Australia | Group Stage, World Cup Qatar 2022
Argentina regained its swag and is back on track following a shocking opener. Messi and the crew come into this event as massive favorites, yet they won’t relax because they learned their lesson. Australia is one very nasty bunch, with players who are like warriors, ready to put their heads where most wouldn’t go with its foot. The Socceroos won second place besides Denmark and Tunisia, which needs to be respected.
Argentina
Messi missed a penalty against Poland, but no problem for the Gauchos, who are in the zone again. Lionel Scaloni’s unit defeated the old rival, 2-0, and that was their second consecutive win with the same result, following a triumph over Mexico. Of course, the tournament opened with them losing to Saudi Arabia, 2-1.
The Argentinians have been rock-solid in defense in those two victories, not allowing a single chance in front of their net. That was, in fact, the biggest power of Scaloni’s unit since he took over the wheel.
Messi is still not at his best, but Di Maria tends to be better, as well as De Paul, who finally showed some of his talents, setting the Argentinian record for the number of passes in one World Cup game – impressive 137.
Australia
Fanatic Socceroos have beaten both Tunisia and Denmark, which tells a lot about their quality. The victories have been minimal, 1-0, but worth gold. In both, the Aussies struck on the counter-attack, stunning the rivals and defending fanatically.
Their defense is very good, even though the players in it are limited and not very famous. But as a unit, they work well. Of course, occasional drops tend to happen, and we’ve seen that against France, but the back line redeemed for that afterward.
For sure, they will look an opportunity to score from a set piece or one a break, so the Argentinians have to take care of that.
Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Acuna; Fernandez, Mac Alister, De Paul; Messi, La. Martinez, Di Maria
Australia: Ryan; Karacic, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Leckie, Irvine, Mooy, McGree, Goodwin; Duke
The most significant clash between these two nations came in 1993 in the playoffs for the World Cup. Argentina managed to stay unbeaten in Australia, 1-1, and won the rematch at home, 1-0, securing the ticket to the United States.
The most recent event was in 2007, a friendly game – 1-0 for Argentina.
Argentina is a massive favorite, and we believe that despite the swing and the momentum that the Aussies have, the Gauchos will end up as winners after 90 minutes of play. They, too are on the rise, so betting on Argentina looks fine with us.
Our verdict: Argentina wins