Argentina v Belgium: Devils primed to dump Messi and co out
Published:This most majestic of World Cups has reached the quarter-final point and for one of Argentina and Belgium the tantalising prospect of the semis awaits. We’re predicting somewhat of a shock victory for the Europeans.
Brazil v Argentina may be the grandest finale to World Cup 2014 on paper, but in reality aside from Lionel Messi’s skin-saving heroics, this Argentine team do not look like an outift worthy of that slot.
Instead, as part of our three best bets for the contest, we foresee Belgium matching their best ever performance at a finals, by qualifying for the last four.
Both these teams came to the tournament with squads rammed full of stars and expectations swollen as a result.
However, neither have played with any swagger, grinding out results to this point and both requiring extra-time in their first knock-out matches. But of the two nations Belgium’s last-16 performance was the more convincing – they just happened to find USA keeper Tim Howard in awe-inspiring form.
Still, the Devils’ dominance was finally rewarded with two goals in the added period, whereas a disjointed Argentina team were two minutes away from penalties against Switzerland.
This bet would have landed in three of Belgium’s four matches in Brazil and in two of the four that Argentina have played out.
Whereas the group games were ablaze with goals, the knock-out phase has been far cagier and we predict another tight one here.
There were no goals until extra-time in their respective second-round matches.
The Chelsea man made up for two disappointing showings in the group stages by setting up Kevin De Bruyne before notching what ultimately proved to be the winner in extra time.
Lukaku’s impact from the bench was so stark that Marc Wilmots will more than likely keep the powerful striker in reserve again against Lionel Messi and co.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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