Game of the year?
Two behemoths of the footballing world go toe to toe at the Estadio Mineirao on Wednesday morning in what is an absolutely mouthwatering clash. Host nation Brazil are looking to bag the trophy for the first time since 2007 whilst Messi and co are trying to bring it home for the first time since 1993, exciting stuff.
Brazil
Hosts Brazil have had a very solid tournament thus far winning 4 games (one on pens) and drawing the other without conceding a single goal(!).
Coach Tite has been at the helm for 3 years and seems to really have found a balance in the squad, the Brazilians are both defensively sound and offensively capable which has not been the case for a long time. Some argue that they have issues against teams with tight defensive systems but what team has ever had an easy time against oppositions that park 10 men in the box?
The centre back pairing of Silva and Marquinhos is as sturdy as one would think whilst the midfield duo of Casemiro and Arthur is as effective as it sounds. Basically, Brazil have a rock-solid spine. Last but far from least, their attacking setup is simply sublime with Liverpool hitman Firminho leading the line along with the likes of Jesus, Coutinho, Willian and standout performer Everton.
Argentina
The Argentines have vastly improved during their last couple of displays but the question is, will it be enough against Brazil? They finally showcased what they are capable of against Venezuela as well has having brushed aside Qatar in the match before but Brazil is naturally a whole different beast.
The thing is, against sides with less quality having the best players in the world is enough. The issue is when they play against sides that are not only of a similar calibre but are also organised which was painfully obvious during the World Cup against both France and Croatia as well as during their loss to Colombia 2 weeks ago.
Also taking into account that they are playing the Brazilians in Brazil makes it all the more harder. Unless coach Scaloni has an ace up his sleeve i can easily see them struggling but at the same time, they have Messi so who knows? Anything is possible.
Betting tip
Nearly everything is pointing towards this being Brazil's year but i do believe that this will be a low scoring game which is why i am backing Under 2.5 goals at 31/50 with Bethard.
Another solid tip is Brazil to win at 43/50.
