World Cup Bet Of The Day: Argentina - Nigeria

Both sides clash in the World Cup for the third time with the bookies favouring Diego Maradona's side. Still, there is some value to be found elsewhere...

12-Jun-2010 4:10:00 PM

By Patrick Reilly

More On :  Argentina, Nigeria
Carlos Tevez - Argentina - (Getty Images)

Kick Off: Saturday, June 12, 2010. 16:00 CET
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg

You could forgiven for getting a dose of deja vu when you tune into this game. After all, it's the third time Argentina and Nigeria have met each other in the World Cup and both times, Los Albicelestes won (2-1 in 1994 and 1-0 in 2002). The Super Eagles most famous win did come over today's opponents when they memorably won the Olympic Gold Medal in 1996 after a thrilling 3-2 win in America.

Let's start with Argentina. You'll find many pundits writing off Diego Maradona as a no-hoper who hasn't a clue what he's doing. I'm not one of them. Granted, he's picked more players through the qualifiers than you've had hot dinners and is tactically suspect.  

All that being said, Argentina are on the rise, winning their last five games and while the opposition in most cases wasn't up to much, momentum is on their side.

Curiously, Argentina haven't drawn a single game during Maradona's 19 matches in charge. Win or bust it seems and they've done more of the former than the latter recently.

El Diego has a devastating array of forwards to call upon which should see them comfortably top the group. Whether they can go all the way is another thing as they will likely be found out by a truly top side and their temperament is suspect.  

Nigeria have had their issues in preparations as new coach Lars Lagerback comes to terms with the loss of John Obi Mikel. They clocked up a 3-1 win over North Korea in their final warm up game but that was their first win in five outings where they failed to score in three.

The Swedish coach has plenty of options up front with the likes of Yakubu, Obafemi Martins, Victor Obinna and Chinedu Obasi all capable of plugging a hole in Argentina's defence. If Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze play as suspected there should be at least one opportunity over the 90 minutes for Nigeria given both defenders' tendency to make mistakes.

Suggested Bets
You may expect hatfuls of goals given the power both sides have in attack. Recent form doesn't indicate it though as Argentina haven't scored more than once against a decent side. Haiti and Canada don't count. Throw in Nigeria's struggles in front of goal and under 2.5 goals looks tasty at 2.01.

Leo Messi is 4.50 to score first and replicate his club form on the international stage. He's a much shorter 1.90 to score at anytime. Diego Milito, who is likely to be on the bench, is a worthwhile 2.35 to score at anytime. For Nigeria, Yakubu is a fabulous 13.0 to score first and 5.0 to score at anytime. If you fancy the Super Eagles to catch Argentina on the hop they are 2.68 to score first.

Best Bet
Argentina to win at 1.40. Yes, it's obvious but we are here to make a consistent profit and Argentina have too much ability to slip up against a team whose build up has been less than ideal. Sorry Super Eagles fans, but your World Cup will start against Greece on June 17th.

Expert Eye
Rupert Fryer, Goal.com International

"With the talent available, it’s hard to see past Argentina for this one. However, with Maradona on the touchline, anything is possible; his team are vulnerable at the back and Nigera’s pace up front is sure to cause problems.

Rupert's Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Nigeria

Odds on 2-1 Argentina win: 9.0

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Odds correct at time of publication. Goal.com encourages all readers who bet to do so sensibly.


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