Argentina vs. Iceland: Can Messi Usurp Ronaldo’s Hat Trick?
The Portugal vs. Spain matchup held this past Friday lived up to all the hype. Now, World Cup betting players are sizing up Saturday’s action to see which matchup offers the best action. Although there aren’t that many high profile matchups, the Argentina vs. Iceland pairing could prove to be entertaining. Let’s check on this weekend’s 2 team teaser odds to see what kind of matchup we can expect.
2018 World Cup – Argentina vs. Iceland – Saturday, June 16th
When: 9:00 am ET
Where: Spartak Stadium, Moscow, Russia
TV: Fox Sports 1
Stream: Fox Sports Go
World Cup Betting Odds:
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | -1½ (+106) | 2½ (-112) | -272 | |
| Iceland | +1½ (-121) | 2½ (-103) | +973 |  |
| France/Australia Draw | — | — | +413 | |
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ANOTHER dramatic finale at this year's #WorldCup! pic.twitter.com/DbhaGTI3Af
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2018
Argentina
The odds are favoring Argentina but in reality they’re siding more against Iceland than they are favoring Argentina. Without a doubt, Argentina has more pressure riding on them than any other team competing in this year’s tournament. Or rather, Lionel Messi does. Hailed as one of, if not the, greatest player to ever play the game, Messi needs a World Cup triumph to earn that title. Argentina has a rich history of success at the tournament and there’s no question that every citizen in the country is expecting Messi to bring the trophy home. The question now is, will the added pressure turn this team into a diamond, or will it force them to crumble? We saw Ronaldo set the bar high with a hat trick that included a jaw-dropping free kick. What will Messi now do?
Players to Watch: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), and Angel Di Maria (PSG).
Iceland
Iceland turned heads by delivering a masterful performance at the Euro 2016 tournament. There they made it all the way to the quarterfinals where they ultimately were eliminated. Notwithstanding that outstanding run, the Icelanders have looked rather poor in recent matchups. Testament to that is the fact that that they’ve failed to win any of their last 4 matches and suffered 3 losses on the way. Granted, those losses were to Mexico, Peru and Norway. But nevertheless, Iceland is pegged as a heavy underdog this weekend.
Players to Watch: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Everton), Alfred Finnbogason (FC Augsburg), and Kolbeinn Sigborsson (Nantes).
Argentina vs. Iceland || World Cup Betting Predictions
Trends
- Argentina is 3-2-0 SU in their last 5 games
- Argentina has scored 10 goals in their last 5 games
- The Argentinians have allowed 10 goals in their last 5 games
- Iceland is 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games
- Iceland has scored 9 goals in their last 5 games
- The Icelanders have allowed 9 goals in their last 5 games
Argentina vs. Iceland || World Cup Betting Picks
So which side should online sportsbook bettors take in this Argentina vs. Iceland World Cup matchup? All in all it’s best to stick with Messi here. The international phenom has plenty of talent to piggyback this team to a triumph over Iceland. Sign up today to make your World Cup prediction!
Score Prediction: 2-0 Argentina.
