Argentina vs Nigeria Prediction – June 24
Spot in the Group of 16 on the Line For Nigeria – But Argentina Looms
Nigeria put themselves is good position to move on to the knockout stage of World Cup 2014 when they finally got a long-awaited World Cup win against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Standing in their way of a Round-of-16 berth is Argentina who is the class of the Group and will be looking to remain perfect in the tournament so far. [ad-1519080]
Nigeria (1-1-0) vs. Argentina (2-0-0)
Where: Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, Brazil
When: June 25, 12:00 PM ET
Nigeria vs. Argentina Betting Lines
Argentina -1 -115 -200 Ov 2½ -120
Nigeria +1 -105 +500 Un 2½ +100
Draw +260
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With a berth in the next round already locked up, there is a chance that Argentina takes their foot off the gas just a tad – but will that be enough for Nigeria to record the improbable upset?
Nigeria could advance with a draw and a little help but they will be after a win in order to carry some momentum into the next round. Peter Odemwingie scored in their second match – a good sign for the Nigerians while Emmanuel Emenike played well and replacement Michel Babatunde looked good against Bosnia giving the Nigerians a quality attack.
Nigeria directed 20 shots – 13 on goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina – impressive indeed.
Defensively the Nigerians were effective in recording a clean sheet. Nigeria gets a shot at an Argentinean squad that struggled with the stout defending of Iran. You can bet that the Nigerians watched tape of that game and will attempt to use similar tactics to keep the Argentineans at bay.
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Argentina looked just OK in their last match against Iran but all it takes is one slightly opened door for Lionel Messi to make you pay. The South America squad is favored by many to win it all this year but their last result has more than a few a tad concerned.
Already guaranteed a spot in the next round the Argentineans have some things to work on ahead of their Round-of-16 game – namely how to penetrate a stifling defense that they are bound to face from here on in.
Argentina controlled the ball over 70% of the game against Iran but was unable to parlay that into numerous quality scoring chances. Only a very late goal by Magical Messi secured the win.
Concern for Argentina comes in the form of ineffectiveness from virtually everyone else but Lionel Messi in the tournament thus far. Gonzalo Higuan and Sergio Aguero have been unflattering making Argentina look a bit like a one trick pony going forward. Look for Argentina to work out their limited kinks against Nigeria in order to gain a little momentum for their impending knock-out stage match.
Betting Prediction:
There is a chance that Argentina eases up a tad in this match and that they rest a few of their top tier stars but the depth of the Argentineans is impressive indeed.
There are a few Argentine stars that will be looking for a better performance in their third game as the South American side looks to get it going on all cylinders for the knockout stage.
Although I think Nigeria will have learned a lot from Argentina’s game against Iran, I just can’t go against Lionel Messi and a motivated Argentina squad. There is absolutely zero doubt about the better side in this one.
Pick: Argentina -200
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