Argentina did not exactly set the world on fire in making the knockout stage. They entered Russia as a bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup favorite. But won just one out of their three group matches. And a blowout loss to Croatia in that string exposed all of their weaknesses. France was also a top favorite to win the World Cup. And they did end up winning Group C. Les Bleus posted two wins and a draw. Yet they did not have a dominant look in the process. Now everything is at stake as France and Argentina meet.
2018 FIFA World Cup France vs. Argentina
Date and Time: Saturday, June 30, 2018, 10 a.m. ET
Location: Kazan Arena, Kazan
World Cup Betting Online Odds :
Argentina +½ (-150) 2 (-110)
France -½ (+135) 2 (-105)
France vs. Argentina TV Coverage: FOX
France Opener
France won their opener against plucky Australia 2-1. It took a goal by Aziz Behich at the 81 minute mark to pull out the win. Australia is all work and no talent so the win did not exactly establish championship bona fides. In their second match Les Bleus got by Peru 1-0. Peru is a unique team that is fun to watch. But not a bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup power. Les Bleus are fortunate that the Peruvians lack finish. It was yet another underwhelming French triumph.
No Inspiration Against Denmark
In their group finale France and Denmark played to a 0-0 draw. Both squads knew they made the Round of 16. And played like it. The match had the feel of a friendly. And one with no inspiration. So, France did the bare minimum in group stage. But nothing more.
Argentina So Far
For Argentina the group stage was a Sports betting high wire act. Their problems began with a 1-1 draw with Iceland in the opener. La Albiceleste were less than sharp. And stunned that Iceland was able to score. But the bigger problem lied ahead. Croatia took Argentina apart in their second match. Luka Modric dominated the match in a 3-0 Croatia victory. Argentina was justifiably humiliated. And Lionel Messi was rendered helpless. They were also backed into a corner and facing elimination. Their third match against Nigeria was a must win.
Disaster Avoided
Messi is rated with Ronaldo as the best player in the world. Yet he hadn’t shown it in the first to games. But in a must win against Nigeria he scored the opening goal. Marcos Rojo got the game winner at the 86 minute mark. And La Albiceleste avoided the ultimate disaster.
Messi the Saviour
Both teams had portents of things to come prior to Russia. France blew the 2016 Euro in a home loss to Portugal. And has been erratic ever since. Argentina needed Messi to carry them to the tournament. And showed plenty of vulnerability. Antoine Griezmann was touted as the next greatest thing for Les Bleus. Yet he has tallied just one goal so far at Russia.
Matchup to Watch
Argentina limped into the Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup knockout stage. But limp in he did. Despite Argentina’s many holes he is their impact player. And the best player on the pitch in this match. France has done little to impress. Look for Messi to make the ultimate impact here.
Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup Odds
Lionel Messi and Argentina to make the round of eight!
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Argentina
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Argentina 2, France 1
Catch highlights of Argentina’s win over Nigeria!
