We move on to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup, and Argentina (2 win, 1 loss, 0 draws) and Australia (2-1-0) meet Saturday at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan at 2 p.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Argentina vs. Australia odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Argentina topped Group C, rebounding from a stunning 2-1 loss against Saudi Arabia in its opener. La Albiceleste ripped off a pair of 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland in the past 2 outings to assert control of the group.
Superstar F Lionel Messi has managed 2 goals with an assist in his 3 matches to date, and M Enzo Fernandez has managed a goal and assist.
Australia was buried 4-1 by France in the opener, but it rebounded for a pair of 1-0 victories over Tunisia and Denmark to secure the 2nd spot in Group D despite a -1 goal differential.
The Socceroos have received goals from F Craig Goodwin, F Mitchell Duke and F Mathew Leckie through 3 matches in Qatar.
Watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV
Argentina vs. Australia odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Argentina -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Australia +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200) | Draw +520
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Prediction
Argentina 1, Australia 0
Moneyline (ML)
Argentina (-400) will cost you 4 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk. The public must have went hard on Australia (+1200) as Argentina was -490 late Friday night. Australia doesn’t really have the offensive depth to make a run any further than this match. Argentina has the world-class players, and Messi will at least carry it through to the Quarterfinals.
The better play is AUSTRALIA +2 (+100), as the Socceroos have shown it has the defense, posting 2 clean sheets. Argentina has 2 straight clean sheets, too.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 2.5 (-110) is the best option on the board.
Both of these teams have keepers who have posted clean sheets, and goals should be at a premium.
If you really like a little risk, play UNDER 1.5 (+270) for a chance to nearly triple up, but go with just a half-unit at most on that.
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=43664]