Argentina entered the World Cup as a favorite to contend for the title. And there was plenty of good reason for that favored status. With Lionel Messi on the pitch they have arguably the top talent on Earth. And their runner up run in 2014 added to their cache. This was touted as Messi’s last best chance at World Cup glory. His dream of a championship was at hand. But the dream is over. Argentina is a Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup nightmare. Their appearance has been an utter catastrophe. A berth in the knockout stage is unlikely.
2018 FIFA World Cup Nigeria vs. Argentina
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 2 p.m. ET
Location: Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | -1 (-112) | 2½ (-119) |  |
| Nigeria | +1 (-103) | 2½ (+104) | |
| |||
Nigeria vs. Argentina TV Coverage: FOX
Bad World Cup for Argentina
Argentina has been in trouble since the 23 minute mark of their first game. They were leading Iceland 1-0 and all seemed well. But then Alfreo Finnbogason tied the game. And Messi was stopped cold on a penalty kick. And at that point the wheels came off. Argentina ended up suffering with a 1-1 draw in the opener. It may as well have been a loss. But the worst was yet to come. Their second Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup match was a jaw dropper.
Messi was not enough
Against Croatia in their second match of Group D the Argentines were destroyed 3-0. It was no contest. Nor was it an accident. Croatia dominated play. Messi was ineffective. And Croatia’s Luka Modric exploded into super stardom. In the loss Argentina was fully exposed. They are often accused of being a one man team. Croatia drilled that home for all to see. The Croats were deeper and more versatile. They had their own star in Modric. But also brought so much more.
Albiceleste fans fed up
Argentina has proven once and for all to be a classic sports betting overlay. Their qualifying “effort” should have been enough of a warning. After all they barely made it to Russia. And they burned through three coaches in the process. Many see coach Jorge Sampaoli as Messi’s puppet. The Albiceleste is all Messi and no depth. Messi literally had to carry them in to Russia. But that formula has failed. The future of this team is even more bleak. As it’s doubtful their one asset returns in 2022. Gamblers are totally fed up with it all.
Nigeria
Nigeria is not a talented team at all. But they do have a strong work ethic. And play well together as a team. Coach Gernot Rohr built the only possible culture. It’s based on what he calls “communion.” They have no other realistic blue print. That’s because they have no Messi. Nigeria lost their opener to Croatia 2-0. But then dominated Iceland for a 2-0 win. Ahmed Musa scored both goals.
Matchup to Watch
Argentina still has a slim shot at the knockout round. But has been a Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup bankroll buster. Nigeria may be better than expected. And certainly play better as a team. They are not dependent upon one man. Its tempting to write off Argentina. But that makes them a decent contrarian choice. Messi is due to explode.
Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup
Argentina should finally deliver in this one.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Argentina
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Argentina 2, Nigeria 0