MY ACCOUNT
– Saturday’s games see 2018 winners France and Lionel Messi’s Argentina in action
– Argentina to bounce back against Mexico
– France can come through tough-looking Denmark test
There are four games taking place in the World Cup on Saturday with two of the pre-tournament favourites in Argentina and France involved, with both enjoying contrasting fortunes in the first round of group games.
A test of Argentina’s character
Bet 1: Argentina to win
The shock of the World Cup so far came in the form of Saudi Arabia’s stunning comeback win over Argentina on Tuesday.
However, it could have been a much different story but for the curse of the offside flag with three goals having been ruled out for offside.
It at least showed that there is plenty of attacking ability in the Argentine ranks and that should stand them in good stead against Mexico, who have been struggling of late, winning just two of their last seven games.
Argentina have also not lost to Mexico since a 1-0 reverse in the Copa America in 2004, winning six of the subsequent 10 meetings in 90 minutes, while securing two further successes via a penalty shootout and after extra time.
La Albiceleste have won the three most recent meetings between the two sides by an aggregate score of 8-0.
Bet 2: Lionel Messi to score
Messi never looked like missing the penalty he was presented with on Tuesday and he got himself into some excellent positions against Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old’s freakish goalscoring record is known to all and he has previously scored three times against Mexico, while he is, of course, the side’s penalty-taker and free-kick specialist.
With VAR playing a big part in the tournament thus far, more spot kicks could be seen and Messi will be the man trusted to take them.
Bet 3: Over three goals
There has not been a huge number of matches that have seen lots of goals in this tournament so far but there is certainly potential in this contest.
Argentina were on a 36-match unbeaten record before the opening loss to Saudi Arabia.
In 2022 so far, Lionel Scaloni’s men have played 10 games and scored at least three goals in six of them, while they beat Mexico 4-0 in their most recent meeting.
France to be too strong for Danes
Bet 1: France to win
France are the defending champions and although they came into the tournament with injury problems, they were irresistible in their opener against Australia.
A poor start was quickly rectified as Kylian Mbappe and co dominated with Olivier Giroud scoring twice.
Denmark will obviously provide a tougher test and Kasper Hjulmand’s team have enjoyed a good recent record over France, winning both of this year’s Nations League games, having played out a goalless draw in the 2018 World Cup.
However, the Red and Whites looked short of attacking inspiration in their opener against Tunisia and need to try and find more going forward.
Four years ago, France proved they could turn up in the big occasions and they should have enough to get the better of Denmark, particularly if they can replicate their opening performance.
Bet 2: Kylian Mbappe to score
With no Paul Pogba or Karim Benzema, there will be even more hopes pinned upon Mbappe but the 23-year-old looks like he takes it all in his stride.
He scored a lovely header from Ousmane Dembele’s cross in France’s opening game and his pace caused the Australian defence countless problems.
He has scored 29 goals in 60 games for France, including five in seven this calendar year, and he looks a good shout to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
Bet 3: Rasmus Kristensen to be booked
The Leeds man will play at wing-back if Hjulmand sticks to his back three formation against France and will be the man to mark Mbappe.
His positioning can sometimes be suspect and Mbappe is a master at using his pace to draw fouls from opponents.
This season, the Dane has already been booked four times in the Premier League and could struggle on Saturday.
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