Cape Verde gave us the wake-up call we probably needed.
Everything had felt almost too comfortable until the Round of 32, but sometimes you need a difficult knockout game to remind everyone what the World Cup is about. Egypt deserves huge credit for getting this far, but I think Argentina will be sharper, more focused and ready to show why we’re defending champions.
Here’s my 34.00 Bet Builder.
My Argentina vs Egypt Bet Builder (34.00)
- Argentina to win
- Both Teams To Score – No
- Under 3.5 Goals
- Lionel Messi 2+ Goals
- Cristian Romero to be booked
Argentina To Win
The Cape Verde game wasn’t pretty, but champions find ways to win.
Egypt also needed 120 minutes and penalties to get past Australia, so both teams come into this match with tired legs. The difference is Argentina have far more quality across the squad and multiple players capable of deciding tight knockout games.
I think we get the job done.
Both Teams To Score – No
Our defensive record deserves more credit.
Argentina have kept eight clean sheets in their last 11 matches, while Egypt have scored just six goals at this World Cup, with half of those coming in one game against New Zealand.
Mohamed Salah is always dangerous, but he still doesn’t look fully fit. If we’re switched on defensively, I don’t see Egypt scoring.
Under 3.5 Goals
Everything points towards a controlled knockout game.
Both sides played 120 minutes in the Round of 32, so energy management will be important. Argentina only created 1.67 expected goals in normal time against Cape Verde, while Egypt have conceded just two goals in five tournament matches.
I can see Scaloni’s team winning professionally rather than chasing a huge scoreline.
Lionel Messi 2+ Goals
Messi lives for moments like this.
He’s looking to score in a record eighth consecutive World Cup match, and he’s already found the net in every game at this tournament. Whether it’s penalties, free-kicks or moments of individual brilliance, he always seems to take responsibility when Argentina need him most.
If we score two or three, I wouldn’t be surprised if Messi gets at least two himself.
Cristian Romero To Be Booked
Romero is one of those defenders you love when he’s on your team.
He plays right on the edge, and if we’re being honest, he was fortunate not to see red against Cape Verde. Last season he picked up 10 yellow cards and two red cards in the Premier League, so backing him for a booking is never a bad angle.
With Egypt looking to counter through Salah whenever they can, I think Romero gets involved in a few heated moments.
Martín’s Prediction
I don’t think this will be a classic, but knockout football rarely is.
Argentina learned a valuable lesson against Cape Verde, and I expect a much more controlled performance this time.
Predicted score: Argentina 2-0 Egypt
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