Our football expert Evan Psarras with his thoughts on the World Cup Semi-final between England and Argentina.
Match 102: England v Argentina
Location: Atlanta Stadium
Time: 7:00am, Thursday 16 July
Head to Head: England Wins (6), Argentina Wins (2), Draws (5)
Key Stats
- Argentina are undefeated in their last 13 games
- England have scored 2+ goals in 6 of their last 7 games
- Argentina have conceded at least once in each of their last 4 games
- Messi (8), Kane (6) and Bellingham (6) have combined for 20 of the 29 total goals scored by these two teams
- Over 2.5 goals is 6-2 in Argentina’s last 8 knockout matches in this competition
Preview
It has been more than 20 years since they last went to battle but the history between them in this competition is extraordinary. From Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986 to Michael Owen’s incredible solo run in 1998 which was followed by a David Beckaham red card and defeat via a penalty shootout. History tells us that the marquee players will leave their mark in this contest and that means the trio of Messi, Kane and Bellingham will steal the show.
In England’s quarter final clash with Norway, it was all Bellingham. He got his side back on level terms and then delivered the killer blow early in extra time. England have scored 2+ goals in 6 of their last 7 games but have notably conceded at least once in each of their last three. Giving up a goal to Norway in the quarters means that they have recorded just 2 clean sheets in their last 10 knockout matches in this competition.
Argentina entered the tournament as a defensive force with clean sheets in 6 of their final 7 games leading in. That has taken a turn in recent games as they have conceded at least once in each of their last 4 games with two of their three knockout matches going to extra time. Over 2.5 goals is 6-2 in Argentina’s last 8 knockout matches in this competition and they have been anything but convincing since the tournament entered the second phase.
The trend for Argentina in the knockout stages of this competition is goals. Both teams to score is 7-1 in their last 8 knockout games – a trend that should continue given the level of resilience we have seen from both teams. Argentina have shown a level of vulnerability when their opponents push numbers forward so the key for England here will be to seek goals. Can see this developing into a thriller!
Players To Watch
We’ve turned the heading from ‘player’ to ‘players’ because this contest will be decided by three names – Messi, Bellingham and Kane. England have scored 13 goals in the tournament and 12 of them have been scored by either Kane of Bellingham (6 each). With respect to Argentina, it has been all Messi who has been involved in 10 of Argentina’s 16 goals (8 goals and 2 assists). Julian Alvarez and Lautaro provided a helping hand against the Swiss but it starts and ends with Messi.
Betting Tips
Best Bet: Both Teams To Score – YES ($1.91)
Other: Over 3.5 goals ($4.20)
Correct Score: Draw 2-2 ($14)
SGM: Messi Anytime Goalscorer, Bellingham Anytime Goalscorer, 2nd Half Over 1.5 goals ($17.10)
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