Saturday 30th June 1500hrs France v Argentina Football – International – World Cup The group stages were enthralling for the most part with plenty of entertainment, drama and goals. There have been notable scalps and some shocks along the way but they have now come and gone and the knockout phase of the 2018 World Cup kicks into gear this weekend – and the first of the last 16 ties pits two of the big footballing powerhouses against each other. Neither have really impressed yet and both will be hoping they can put it all together on Saturday as 1998 winners France face two-time winners Argentina – betting tipis and previews below.
France were unbeaten in the group stage taking seven points from their three matches. Wins of Australia and Peru had already ensured their passage to the knockout stages and as a draw in their final game would not only see them finish top but also qualify opponents Denmark, we should not be hugely surprised that it ended up being the first goalless draw of the competition. Even allowing for that, however, there are still a lot of doubts over the collective capabilities of this French team. I noted my concerns ahead of the World Cup about Deschamps inability to get the most out of this squad and the early evidence would appear to back that up. It’s still only early days of course and it’s mission accomplished thus far as they have finished top of the section which would have been their initial aim. They’ll hope it is in stark contrast to their fortunes four years ago when they cruised through the group stage and reach the quarter finals only to fail when the heat was really applied, exiting to eventual winners Germany. The presence of Argentina alone will mean the pressure is upped and France have to show they can cope with that.
Argentina have been more out than in during this tournament but they have somehow managed to find themselves through to the round of 16. Huge disruptions within the squad which have blighted preparations and came to the fore following the dismal 3-0 defeat to Croatia last week looked to have been the final nail in the coffin as they approached the must win match against Nigeria. Reports suggested that the players had essentially taking over the responsibility of team selection so it seen old favourites like Ever Banega, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain all start as they searched the three points needed to see them through. A wonder goal from Lionel Messi looked to have set them on their way in the first half as they looked in control. Cue another defensive calamity early in the second half which allowed Nigeria to equalise and Argentina proceeded to fall to pieces for a half hour. Those 30 minutes presented Nigeria with a number of chances to win the match but the Argentinians lived a charm life and Marcos Rojo of all people turned out to be the hero. How far they can progress from here remains to be seen but they have at least avoided the embarrassment of being knocked out at the group stage.
France v Argentina Betting Tips
I’m sure France would not have been expecting to be playing Argentina so soon into the knockout stages having finished first but they may see it as a positive considering what has went before and avoiding Croatia who have been excellent in the three games to date. The French will feel they have levels to go up from what has been shown in the group stage and they have to if they have true aspirations of winning the World Cup. Deschamps has played about with his personnel and the system but Les Bleus have still only managed three goals in the group phase in what appeared a relatively kind section. Argentina have not had any problems to seek in this competition and we can only guess what sort of performance (and starting eleven) they will put in on Saturday. Messi is obviously key but Banega’s inclusion certainly helped their attacking play and he will have to be instrumental for Argentina to have any success going forward.
It’s a game that is rich in tradition and could be an early treat now the tournament has reached the knockout phase. You feel France have the capability to improve but Argentina have been beset by so many problems that it is much more likely that they will turn in an abject performance as opposed to an amazing one. I think the attacks of both these teams is misfiring and that – coupled with the fact it’s the first of the knockout games – may well see it result in a low-scoring affair. Take under 2.5 goals in this one.
Betting Tip Under 2.5 goals 57/100 @ Marathon Bet
