Argentina v Korea Republic Greece v Nigeria France v Mexico
Thursday, June 17
Argentina v Korea Republic
Verdict: Pre-tournament favorites, Argentina, will meet fellow Group B leaders Korea Republic after both nations recorded first round victories. Korea Republic efficiently dispatched a disoriented Greek side 2-0 whereas Argentina recorded a slender 1-0 victory over Nigeria.
Argentina, and manager Diego Maradona, are yet to convince some in the footballing world that they are genuine, potential world champions and the result against the Nigeria's further enhanced those doubts. I disagree. Argentina had 7 shots on goal in that game and if it wasn't for the heroics of Nigerian keeper, Vincent Enyeama, the South Americans could of easily scored 3 or 4 more. The Korea Republic is an average, hard working team who were fortunate enough to play a weaker side to them in their opening game. The Greeks gifted Korea their two goals. Despite their 2-0 lead in that game, the Koreans seemed to tire in the second half so I expect them to struggle at high altitude in Johannesburg.
Picks: Over 2 goals @1.80 (10bet, 10 units) Argentina 4 - 1 Korea Republic Argentina 1x2 @1.51 (188bet, 10 units) Argentina 4 - 1 Korea Republic
France v Mexico
Verdict: Group A is finely balanced after both opening games resulted in draws. Mexico had to settle for a 1-1 draw against host nation South Africa, whereas France were involved in a drab scoreless draw against Uruguay. Mexico was made to pay for their inefficiency in front of goal after creating, and not taking, numerous opportunities in the opening half. Despite this 1-1 result, against what was a highly motivated host nation, it is not the end of world. The French came into this tournament with low expectations and perhaps this was justified after a poor showing against the wily South Americans.
France have shown great pedigree in big cup tournaments in years gone by, but this team is just a pale shadow in comparison. Under the tutelage of peculiar figure, Raymond Domenech, France look like an uninspired outfit. In total contrast, Mexican manager, Javier Aguirre, has revived the hopes of a nation after taking over the reigns from Sven Goran Eriksson. The Mexican team have the youthful vibrance and leadership to cause this French team problems.
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