Argentina vs Australia: Betting tips, predictions, odds & match preview
Argentina continue their quest for World Cup glory when they take on Australia in the last 16 on Saturday at 7pm (UK time).
Argentina vs Australia: Betting tips
- Lionel Messi to score anytime @ 49/50 with BetUK
- Riley McGree to concede over 1.5 fouls @ 49/50 with BetUK
Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+ Only. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Argentina vs Australia: Predictions
Argentina vs Australia: Predictions |
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Bet | Prediction | Best odds |
BTTS? | No | 12/25 with BetUK |
Correct score | Argentina 2-0 Australia | 41/10 with BetUK |
First Goalscorer | Lionel Messi | 13/5 with BetUK |
When Argentina were beaten 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener, so many people will have been hoping it was a sign of things to come, as there isn’t much better for a neutral than a big name bowing out early – especially when it would mean Lionel Messi misses his last chance of becoming a world champion. But there were some who pointed to Spain in 2010 when they lost their first match before winning the next six to claim the World Cup trophy. And right now, Argentina are on their way to mimicking Spain – though there is still a long way to go.
After losing to Saudi Arabia, Argentina bounced back to beat Mexico 2-0 thanks to two second-half goals from Messi and Enzo Fernandez which put them into second and in control of their destiny: win against Poland and they’d finish as Group C winners. And that’s exactly what they did, with another pair of second-half strikes, this time from Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez securing the 2-0 victory which saw them leapfrog Poland into first.
The same could be said for Australia, who are also on course to match Spain’s run to glory at the 2010 World Cup, though not many will expect them to actually do that. When Australia took the lead in their World Cup opener against France, some were hoping for a shock result, but the Socceroos eventually fell to a 4-1 defeat which had some doubting their credentials at the top level – especially in a group which also included Denmark.
But in their very next match they got their first win of the World Cup thanks to Mitchell Duke’s goal, meaning their final game against Denmark was essential a straight shootout for qualification. And Mathew Leckie’s goal on the hour mark sealed that win, with Australia finishing level on points with France and only behind on goal difference.
Argentina vs Australia match result odds
Argentina vs Australia match stats
Unless a late injury rules him out, Saturday’s game will be Lionel Messi’s 1000th at senior level for both club and country. In his 999 games so far, the Argentine legend has scored 778 goals and provided 348 assists, so Australia will have a hard task trying to keep him quiet.
Riley McGree has been playing in an advanced role for Australia at the World Cup, supporting Mitchell Duke, but this will be a team defensive effort and he will be asked to get back and help keep Messi and co. quiet. But McGree has committed eight fouls at the World Cup so far, at an average of 3.41 per 90 minutes.
Argentina vs Australia: Squawka Says
Scoreline prediction: Argentina 2-0 Australia
Argentina vs Australia head-to-head
11 September 2007 – Australia 0-1 Argentina – Friendly
18 June 2005 – Australia 2-4 Argentina – Confederations Cup
30 June 1995 – Argentina 2-0 Australia – Friendly
17 November 1993 – Argentina 1-0 Australia – World Cup qualifying
31 October 1993 – Australia 1-1 Argentina – World Cup qualifying
Since winning the first ever meeting between these two nations, Australia have gone winless in their past six games against Argentina, including four-straight defeats.
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