All Out Attack
The knockout stages are underway this weekend and already in the first match on Saturday afternoon we’ve got a meeting of the heavyweights. Argentina are meeting France and one of them is going home. France go in as favourites, but there’s attacking quality to boot in both sides.
France
The French have done the bare minimum of what was required of them against Australia and Peru, only to usher in the most boring game of the tournament and take a point from Denmark. France haven’t impressed, but there’s a sneaking suspicion that this is a sleeping giant not yet woken from its slumber.
They have starpower in every position, but also balance and variety. Their entire central line is phenomenal with Umtiti and Varane in defence, Pogba and Kanté in midfield and Griezmann and Giroud up top.
As we’ve said, France haven’t been great, but it feels like they’ve been saving themselves. They’re going in as favourites against Argentina but it won’t be at all surprising if the match swings back and forth, with these two exchanging blows. Both Peru and Australia succeeded in creating chances against France, but the quality to finish the job was missing in their ranks. The ability is definitely there for Argentina.
Argentina
Argentina should consider themselves lucky to even still be in the tournament. Their game plan, whatever that is, has not been working, and the fact that they managed to beat Nigeria in their last match was left down to luck.
Against Croatia they were totally under the kosh, and now they’re up against an even tougher opponent in France. If they have any chance of advancing past the round of 16 they need a reboot and to prepare well.
They’re guaranteed to create chances against France, but the question is if they can get their attack working in sync. We all know the quality they have in their ranks in Messi, Higuain, Di Maria and so on. But even these stars haven’t been doing the business, but you can be sure there will be chances for both teams.
Match Tip
Both teams true strength is in their offensive play and I think there will be goals. I’m betting on their being more than 2 goals for 2 times the money with Bethard. If there are exactly 2 goals the money is coming back to me.
That's why I'm betting over 2.5 goals in the match at odds of 1/1 (2.0) with Bethard.
