South Africa (0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss) battles Argentina (0-0-1) Thursday from Forsyth Barr Stadium. Kickoff in the 2nd Group G match for each nation is set for 8 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Argentina vs. South Africa odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
South Africa almost pulled off the unthinkable in a 2-1 loss to Sweden. It went up 1-0 with a 48th-minute goal from M Hildah Magaia. South Africa ended the game with 4 shots on goal amid its 10 shots, respectively 2 and 5 fewer than its opponent. It had just 31% possession as well. South Africa is 54th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings while Sweden sits 3rd.
Argentina ranks 28th and also lost its opening match, 1-0 to Italy conceding in the 87th minute. Argentina’s offense struggled mightily, ending with just 5 shots and 1 on target despite having 47% of the possession. It had won 5 of its 6 friendlies coming into the event, having taken down No. 26 New Zealand in back-to-back matches in February.
Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Argentina vs. South Africa odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:14 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Argentina +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Italy +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Draw +220 (bet $100 to win $240)
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +150 | U: -210)
Argentina vs. South Africa picks and predictions
Prediction
Argentina 1, South Africa 0
Moneyline (ML)
BET ARGENTINA (+105).
Argentina struggled in its opener, but Italy and Sweden were both the favorites in the group, so its losing isn’t too shocking. It has a solid track record this calendar year which is worth backing. It beat Venezuela 3-0 on April 9. Venezuela even sits above South Africa in the world rankings.
Despite having scored, South Africa had minimal possession and was generally dominated against the top-tier Sweden. While Argentina will be more at its level, South Africa’s lack of control was concerning and could lead to fewer counter-attacking opportunities, which is where it did most of its work.
Argentina’s offense is better than it showed and South Africa had likely the best game it has had in recent history. Expect Argentina to improve and South Africa likely to fade to its mean. Take ARGENTINA (+105).
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN ALTERNATE UNDER 1.5 (+145).
Argentina had 1 shot on goal while South Africa had just 4 in each team’s opener. Neither team really showed much offensively, and against each other in a tournament in which the Under has been incredibly hot, backing fewer goals is the smart move here.
South Africa will have to build through its back and have fewer counterattacks in this battle which should showcase its lesser-than-ideal technical side.
With the Under hot in the tournament and both teams have struggled in their 1st matchday, take the UNDER 1.5 (+145).
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.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3922]