World Cup
2008-06-18 - Brazil vs Argentina
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Brazil
The big battle for Brazil against their historical rivals Argentina arrives at a bad time for the Samba Boys after their demoralising 0-2 defeat against Paraguay this weekend. Brazil actually find themselves out of the top 4 qualifying positions after Uruguay won their match on Tuesday and so they cant afford to drop more points. Brazil have a 2-2-1 record after 5 games with 9 goals scored and 4 conceded. Brazil have won both of their home games and have scored 7 times in those 2 games and only conceded once.
Brazil started their campaign with a respectable 0-0 draw in Colombia before thumping Ecaudor 5-0 at home. They then only managed a 1-1 draw at Peru but followed that with another home win, this time 2-1 over old rivals Uruguay. Last weekend saw a disappointing Brazil lose 0-2 at Paraguay and puts some pressure on Carlos Dunga the manager.
The Brazilian media began calling for Dunga to quit as manager after Brazil's latest defeat and there are strong feelings that a negative result against the Argentinians will effectively end his tenure as manager of the national team.
Dunga promised fans that Brazil will bounce back from their latest defeat in this game. It seems they will go with the same side that lost so passively at the weekend here as Dunga claims a 'change in attitude' can be more effective than those concerning line ups. Brazil will miss the presence of Kaka and Ronaldhino in this match as both were omitted from the squad.
Argentina
Argentina are always one of the favourites when it comes to World Cup outright betting, but have really failed to deliver on the big stage for a number of years now. However, qualifying is usually one of their strong points and this year they will be hoping it is no different. Currently they have composed a 3-1-1 record with 9 goals scored and 3 conceded. Argentina have won 1 and lost 1 of their 2 away games so far.
The Argentines had started off very well with 3 wins from 3 games but have failed to win either of their last 2. After beating Chile and Bolivia at home, and Venezuala away, without conceding a goal, Argentina lost a 1 goal lead at Colombia to lost 2-1. This past weekend they needed a last minute goal to prevent Ecuador winning in Argentina and escaped with a 1-1 draw.
Argentina were very disappointed they dropped 2 points in their last match but are still feeling confidant that they can achieve a result in Brazil.
Martin Demichelis is out of the team due to suspension while Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastien Veron will both require late fitness tests to determine availability.
Head to Head
Argentina and Brazil have met 8 times in the last 8 years but this is only their 5th meeting in a World Cup Qualifier.
7 of the games have been in competitive matches and Brazil have won 4 of those games, with Argentina winning 2 of them. The other game saw Brazil win 3-0 in a friendly in England.
Brazil have also won both home games against Argentina in World Cup Qualifiers.
Argentina last beat Brazil in Brazil in 1998 when winning a game in Rio 0-1.
Prediction
This is a hard game to call with both sides being out of form of late but I think Argentina have one of their better chances in recent seasons.
Brazil are missing some important components to their side while Argentina have the talent of Lionel Messi to call upon.
It is hard to go against a Brazilian victory in front of their own fans and I think it will be very difficult to beat them on their own soil, so I will take the draw as my bet for the game.
The Pick :
Brazil 1-1 Argentina
