Argentina is among the most respected teams for betting the World Cup on. It is a “brand” synonymous with excellence. Iceland on the other hand is the ultimate Cinderella team. They captivated many with their qualification run. And they are now in their first ever World Cup. But while the journey was scintillating reality now sets in. At Russia the best of the best will play for al the marbles. It is a cut throat event. And everyone is expected to bring their A-Game. Iceland will no longer catch opponents off guard. An ambush is doubtful.
2018 FIFA World Cup Argentina vs. Iceland
Date and Time: Saturday, June 16, 2018, 19 a.m. ET
Location: Otkritie Arena, Moscow
FIFA World Cup Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | +1½ (-135) | 2½ (+121) |  |
| Argentina | -1½ (+120) | 2½ (-136) | |
| |||
Argentina vs. Iceland TV Coverage: FOX
Iceland
This team holds a great story. They are the smallest populated country ever to make the tournament. It is a team that showed great tenacity at qualification. But not necessarily a lot of skill. And where their goal scoring will come from is a perpetual concern. Problematic is that main striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson is injured. Iceland was a Betting the World Cup success due to tactical changes. Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson made the necessary adjustments. But the greatest of coaches would struggle with a plan here. How to beat Argentina without a top scoring threat. And with no scoring depth.
Argentina
Argentina was runner up to powerful Germany for the 2014 World Cup title. And has been one of the best sportsbook bets in recent tournaments. In the last three World Cups the White and Sky Blue finished no worse than sixth. The roster is deep, talented and experienced. But also, on its last serious quest for a championship. Argentina is likely to have a massive rebuild after this year. Of concern is a qualifying run that was a struggle. Head coach Jorge Sampaoli had to make tactical changes to get the team over the hump. It was a close call but Sampaoli figured it out just in time.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
For Iceland the pressure will be on Gylfi Sigurdsson. He is the man that must replace Sigthorsson. Sigurdsson is a rarity on Iceland in that he actually has skills. With the ability to finish. He has 18 goals in 55 caps for his international career. Of encouragement are his four goals in 10 qualification matches.
Lionel Messi
No superlatives are enough for Lionel Messi of Argentina. Messi is part of the great debate as to who is the greatest of all. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is the man he is compared to. Messi stands a great shot at the golden boot award in Russia. In 124 caps he has posted 64 goals. He stars as a pro for Barcelona. Another key veteran forward is Sergio Aguero. The Manchester City star has 37 goals and 85 caps for Argentina.
Matchup to Watch
This is a massive Betting the World Cup mismatch. Iceland lacks firepower to make a serious challenge. The White and Sky Blue cost a fortune. But with good reason. They ain’t losing this one!
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Argentina is the pick to win this one going away.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Argentina
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Argentina 2, Iceland 0
Check out a preview of Argentina!