Greece aims to contain Argentina to advance from Group B

The Group B game between Argentina and Greece at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on June 22 will go a long way in deciding who’s going to advance into the next round. Argentina sits at the top of the group heading with six points after beating Nigeria 1-0 and South Korea 4-1. Greece is tied with South Korea for second place with three points after losing 2-0 to the Koreans and beating 10-man Nigeria 2-1.

The scenarios in this group are endless, but if Argentina wins it will guarantee them first place in the group. This would leave Greece tied with South Korea and Nigeria if the Koreans lose and it will then go to goal difference as the first tiebreaker. Greece and South Korea are both minus 1, while Nigeria is minus 2.

However, if Greece loses and South Korea draws, Greece is out. A Greek draw and South Korean draw would leave them both at four points with the same goal difference, but the Koreans have scored three goals to Greece’s two. This means Greece would have score at least one more goal than South Korea if both teams draw to pull at least level in goals for.

It can get pretty complicated and that’s what makes this such an interesting game and group. To muddy the picture even more, If Greece wins and South Korea wins, there will be a three-way tie for first as the Argentina, Greece, and South Korea would all have six points. Argentina has the edge here though as they have a plus 4 goal difference.

You can bet Argentina will continue to play the way they have in the first two games and go for a win, while the Greeks, who pride themselves on defence will likely have to open things up at some point in the game. Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain is red hot as he scored a hat trick against South Korea and the squad also includes Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi, and Diego Milito in the attack.

The team is also strong in defence with Javier Mascherano, Gabriel Heinze, and Walter Samuel back there. Captain Mascherano said the team likes to attack in numbers as it means their opposition has to worry about defending, leaving them fewer players to counterattack. However, because of their superior goal difference, it’s likely Argentina can still lose this game and advance in first place.

This is why manager Diego Maradona may rest some players such as Samuel, as he left the game against South Korea because of a thigh injury. Mascherano and Heinze may also be rested as they each have a yellow card. Midfielder Jonas Gutierrez will definitely miss the match as he’s suspended for receiving a yellow card in each of Argentina’s first two games.

Greece will have to at least get a draw to advance and are confident they can score after putting two in against Nigeria. Striker Dimitris Salpingidis said even if they don’t go through to the next round they’re going to give it all they have so they can hold their heads high. Midfielder Thanassis Prittas added that Greece needs to concentrate on defending and counterattacking, but admits they have to score at least one goal if they have any hope.

Greece vs Argentina Predictions and Odds

Argentina has given us some easy World Cup betting so far and hopefully it can continue. These two teams have only met once before with Argentina pounding out a 4-0 win. If Argentina rests some players and Greece attacks like they did against Nigeria, there’s a chance of a draw, but Argentina are still too strong up front and should win at least 2-1. A straight bet on Argentina to win is quite a good bet for today, and pays 1.55 (-181, 11/20) at Sportsbook

Argentina is heavily favoured to win this game with William Hill listing the odds of them winning at 63/100, with a Greek winning listed at 11/2 and a draw coming in at 51/20.

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