Argentina vs. Iceland Prediction
Only a few teams have better odds than Argentina to win the 2018 World Cup. Will Lionel Messi and his national team get their quest for the trophy underway in successful fashion today with a victory over huge underdog Iceland?
Game Snapshot
97815 Iceland vs. 97816 Argentina
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Spartak Stadium at 9AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Argentina is a -294 favorite to win on the moneyline. Iceland is a +850 underdog, while a draw is set at +395. The total is set at 2.5 goals.
Messi’s last chance?
Lionel Messi still has a shot to be regarded as the greatest player in the history of the game, but the lack of a World Cup trophy is a huge missing piece. He was oh so close in 2014 as he was player of the tournament, yet a 1-0 extra loss to Germany in the final kept Messi from hoisting the ultimate accomplishment in the sport. With a couple strong playmakers added to the mix, Messi might be more of a distributor this year and not be counted on for his own scores. Whether setting them up or scoring himself, Messi is in a class of his own.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero and forward Manuel Lanzini will miss the World Cup due to injury, which could prove to be a factor as the tournament progresses.
Iceland a newcomer to World Cup
This is the first time Iceland has qualified for the World Cup and although it might be a quick three-match stay, opposing teams should not take it lightly. Iceland ended a three-game friendly losing skid on June 7 when it tied a formidable Ghana squad by a count of 2-2. Look for Johann Berg Gudmundsson to make an impact for Iceland if it hopes to be competitive. He’ll be the first player from Burnley to participate in the World Cup since 1982. While Argentina has 8-1 odds to win the World Cup, Iceland is quite a longshot at 200-1. Needless to say, Iceland will need an A-plus effort and then some.
Prediction:
The only hope for Iceland is if it slows the game down and doesn’t let the Argentina attack overwhelm it with the ball on Messi’s foot more often than not. I think Iceland will come in with the right formation and do everything it can to remain competitive. It won’t lead to a win, but it also won’t lead to a blowout. Take the under here as Argentina will be kept at bay for a while here.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: ARGENTINA/ICELAND UNDER 2.5