Greece vs Argentina – Maradona’s men to progress in style
Published:Diego Maradona will rest many of his first-choice XI for Argentina’s match against Greece, which kicks off at 7.30pm, but bettors should not underestimate the South Americans’ strength in depth.
Argentina are 8/13 to finish top of Group B with maximum points and the manager has confirmed he will leave Carlos Tevez, Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano and hat-trick hero Gonzalo Higuain on the bench against the Euro 2004 champions.
Greece have their own designs on going through to the last 16, however, and with so many absentees in the opposition team Otto Rehhagel’s side may fancy their chances, which stand at 9/2.
Not for nothing are Argentina 4/1 second-favourites to win the World Cup, though, and the two-time winners possess game-changers throughout their squad.
Stepping in up front will be Champions League-winner Diego Milito (4/1 to score first) and exciting talent Sergio Aguero (5/1), while world player of the year Lionel Messi (3/1) will continue out wide.
And with Maradona dangling the carrot of further appearances if they impress, you can be sure each player will want to prove his worth.
Having set out highly defensively in their match with Nigeria, the Euro 2004 champions owe a large debt of gratitude to luck and Sani Kaita’s hotheadedness for their 2-1 win.
It’s difficult to see Greece getting that dose of extra help again and having scored one fewer goal than South Korea will need at least a draw in this match to qualify for the last 16. That’s a 11/4 chance.
Walter Samuel looks a major doubt at the back for Argentina so expect Nicolas Burdisso to step in, but even with all these changes Argentina look too strong for a Greek side who had three losses in four prior to the match against the Super Eagles.
Argentina are on a run of seven wins on the bounce and have the ability to stick at least three past a Greece side who not long ago conceded two to North Korea. 3-0 to Maradona’s men is 9/1, while with Milito to score first is 28/1.
Will this match be as easy for the Argentine’s as anticipated? Argentina/Argentina in the half-time/full-time market is a tight 7/5. Greece to get a 1-0 win is 8/1. See the full Greece v Argentina match betting market.
