France – Argentina : Preview & Prediction
Destiny has therefore hit, despite its first place in Group C, the Team France will face a cador from the round of 16: Argentina. Rather disappointing in the group stage – despite 7 points out of 9 – the Blues will have to raise their level of play if they want to continue the adventure in Russia. After two narrow victories against Australia (2-1) and Peru (1-0), the Tricolores have indeed shown a very dull face against Denmark on the last day (0-0). So of course, the usual substitutes were on the field, a draw was enough for the first place and the Danes did not play the game, but still, the performance of the men of Didier Deschamps did not really reassured the approach decisive meetings. It will therefore progress, and quickly.
Opposite, on the other side of the field, it is therefore the Argentines who will be opposed to the French Saturday. Qualified on the line in the last minutes of the last day, Lionel Messi and his teammates also did not shine at the start of the World Cup, targeted by critics within their country. After a draw against Iceland in the first day (1-1), the 1986 World Champions then slumped heavily against Croatia (3-0), before narrowly defeating Nigeria ( 2-1). Four points out of nine possible, a non-existent game background and tensions between coach Sampaoli and his players: the record is not very glorious either among the South Americans.
In the end, two nations far from their usual levels will meet on the lawn of the Kazan Arena this weekend. On paper, the Blues leave with the favor of the forecasts, still unbeaten since the beginning of the competition. If the Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and other Kylian Mbappé are finally at the top of their forms, the French will have all the cards in hand to qualify. Now, the opposition looks really tense and it may be necessary to go through the extension, or even the terrible shoot-to-aim session. Two scenarios for which we would sign without hesitation today. So, will the Team de France live up to the event?
France have lost only 3 of their last 26 official matches (Germany in 2014, Portugal in 2016, Sweden in 2017).
Better, the Blues have lost one of their last fifteen games, all competitions.
In this World Cup 2018, the French have won twice (Australia, Peru) to take a draw against Denmark (0-0).
On the other hand, Argentina had a stinging defeat against Croatia in pools (3-0), and a draw against Iceland (1-1).
In all competitions, Albiceleste has won only 10 of its last 22 matches (including Nigeria, Haiti, Russia, Ecuador, Singapore …).
Pire, Messi and Co. have only won 4 of their last 14 official matches. A sick team, really.
Unlike Argentina, which seems disorganized and relies on Messi, France has not yet shown the fullness of its talent in CDM. We feel it!
The opposition promises to be tense between the French and the Agrentins. Beaten by Albiceleste at the 1930 (1-0) and 1978 (2-1) World Cup, the Tricolor have this year more than ever the means to reverse the trend against the South Americans. The talent is there on the French side, and the serenity seems more of place than on the Argentinian side. Kanté, a real satisfaction at the start of the World Cup, and Paul Pogba have the ability to win the battle of the midfield to relieve the rearguard of the Blues. And ahead, rocket Mbappé, Griezmann and Giroud are also able to shake the nets of a defense that conceded 15 goals in its last 7 games (2.15 on average!).
France – Argentina : Betting Tips
Argentina – Win Odds: 3.25
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
