Chris Boline
- Argentina v Saudi Arabia
- Tuesday, November 22, 2022, 05:00 ET
- At the Lusail Iconic Stadium, Al Daayen, Doha
Argentina v Saudi Arabia Betting Tips and Picks
Argentina have been handed a straightforward opening game in Group C at the World Cup and they can pile up the goals against Saudi Arabia.
Who do Bettors Favor?
Checking out the best-rated online sportsbooks we can see that bettors are heavily favoring Argentina against the Group C underdogs Saudi Arabia. The reigning Copa America champions are rated as -650 to win their opening game, while Saudi Arabia are ranked as complete outsiders at +1900. But if you think they can earn a draw in their opener against the odds, this can be backed at +700.
| Argentina v Saudi Arabia |  |  |  |
| Argentina | -650 | -650 | -649 |
| Draw | +700 | +700 | +610 |
| Saudi Arabia | +2150 | +1900 | +1750 |
World Cup Group C Betting Briefing
World Cup Group C looks like a well-balanced section with a strong favorite and clear underdogs. Argentina are one of the favorites for the tournament and will be expected to win the Group, setting up a possible second-round tie with Denmark, who are the most likely runners-up in Group D.
Mexico, ranked 13 in the world according to FIFA, will expect to finish second, although the runner-up in this Group is likely to face France in the second round. The wild card in this Group could be Poland. They are ranked 26 in the world, but they are regulars at international tournaments and in Robert Lewandowski, they have one of the great modern strikers, who has remarkably yet to score a World Cup goal, but who may be appearing at his last World Cup.
Messi Plotting Final World Cup Bid
It is a remarkable fact that neither of the two modern soccer greats, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo has been able to lift the World Cup, and both arrive in Qatar for what will almost certainly be their final World Cup bid. Yet for Messi, this may be his best chance yet.
From an exciting youngster in 2006 to the frustrated figure of 2018, Messi has been a constant for Argentina throughout this era. The closest he came to the trophy was in 2014, in Brazil, when Argentina lost out to Germany in the final. But there has always been a feeling that Barcelona was his first love. It is probably not a coincidence that long-awaited international success came after he left Catalonia.
The 2021 Copa America win showed that Argentina can be a force at the top level. A dynamic midfield trio of Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso provides Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Lautaro Martinez with opportunities and their defense, led by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Cristian Romero, is formidable.
Saudi Will Struggle at World Cup
Of all the teams at this year’s World Cup, Saudi Arabia will at least be one of the most comfortable in the conditions. They also had a strong qualifying campaign, topping a group that included Japan and Australia. And in Herve Renard, they have an effective international coach who has brought more balance to their play than the sometimes reckless approach of Juan Pizzi.
But the fact remains that they are the second-lowest-ranked team in the competition and that is probably a fair reflection of their ability. They will be able to show moments of individual flair, as they have in the past, but this entirely home-based squad is worryingly inexperienced when it comes to top-level soccer, while they remain defensively suspect. They are likely to struggle against much stronger World Cup opponents and are not expected to pick up more than a point or two at most.
World Cup Group C Match Betting Pick
Argentina are one of the big names in international soccer but they have too often failed to turn their abundance of talent into success at the World Cup. Something always seems to get in the way, and their fitful 2018 campaign was one of their worst.
This time, though, it could be different. Lionel Messi’s enthusiasm for international football seems renewed and he has been given the support he needs to show his best form. The team seems to be a good balance of experience and rising stars, and is solid in every department.
I simply can’t see the Saudi defense being able to contain the Argentine forwards and they are likely to be chasing shadows in midfield for much of the game. There will be tougher tests to come, but I think Messi and co. will use this opening World Cup Group C game to send a message and we can expect goals.
Best Online Sportsbooks to Bet on the World Cup
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