France's relatively easy progression from Group C has told us very little regarding Didier Deschamp's sides' chances of capturing the crown for the second time. A stuttering start against Australia, left more questions than answers, as to whether Les Blues have the right mix within a talented squad to achieve their goal. A single goal win against minnows Peru, alongside the tournament's only 0-0 draw against Denmark, have left many critics to question the squad's commitment.
The French team is packed with world class talent, and failure to realise their potential against a dangerous Argentina could leave them vulnerable, and Deschamps may fire his side up to attack their opponents from the off. France to be leading after 15 minutes is 7/1 with Coral.
Oliver Giroud has become an integral part of the French squad, and with his physicality and ability in the air, the Chelsea man could prove a tough challenge for an Argentina side that has looked decidedly dodgy at the back so far. For Giroud to score France's first goal is 7/2 with Coral!
Argentina's 2-1 win against Nigeria, showcased not only their defensive vulnerability, but that in Lionel Messi, they have a player that can instantly turn a match in his side's favour. The Barcelona man was instrumental in his side's first half performance, and his goal allowed everyone to be reminded of just what a special player he is.
For Argentina to stand any chance of beating a strong France, they will need their number 10 to be at his very best. Anxious to capture the most glittering prize in football, Messi is sure to bring his A game, and expect him to deliver. Lionel Messi to score two or more goals is 8/1 with William Hill, or 60/1 with William Hill to score a hattrick.
FRANCE
Disappointing in their opening fixture against Australia, many pundits felt that France had tried to shoehorn too many of its superstars in the side at one time. Blessed with some of the world's biggest stars, France have arguably the best squad at the tournament, and many see them as being too strong for Argentina. With a solid defensive structure that many teams are still aiming to find, Deschamp's men look a strong bet to reach the next round.
Set pieces have played a major role in the tournament so far and expect it to be a crucial factor in a tight game. Samuel Umtiti is one of the most dominating centre backs in the game, and could prove more than a match for Argentina, who have looked weak in aerial battles. They may find the Barcelona man a real handful from dead ball situations, and Samuel Umtiti to score at any time is 22/1 with Unibet.
The side will be keen to ensure that they don't let the opportunity of a golden generation pass them bye, and although they have yet to be tested, their opponent's defensive mishaps will encourage the 1998 winners to be positive. France to win both halves is 15/2 with Unibet and looks very tasty.
ARGENTINA
A last gasp winner by Manchester United's Marcus Rojo allowed the two times winners the opportunity to progress, but they were pushed all the way by an up and coming Nigerian side. A calamitous mix up from a set piece led to a corner, from which Javier Mascherano was adjudged to held his opponent. The resulting spot kick allowed Victor Moses to stoke his side level, and up until the dying moments of the game, the point they needed to qualify from the group stages. For Rojo to repeat his goal scoring heroics may seem a strange bet, but football is a strange game. Marcus Rojo to score at anytime is 22/1 with Coral!
Although they have looked way off form, their attacking potential is arguably the best at the tournament. With the like of Sergio Aguero, Pablo Dybala, Angel Di Maria and of course Lionel Messi, the side have more than enough talent to beat any side, but their defence looks the worst of all the teams to make it to the knockout stages. They may need to come from behind to beat France and that looks a very tempting bet. For Argentina to come from behind to win is 11/1 with William Hill.
All eyes will be on Messi to see if he can propel his side to a potential clash with arch rivals Brazil in the semi-finals. Although his side go into the game as slight underdogs, their talismanic superstar could be the key to unlocking a stubborn French backline.
HEAD TO HEAD
France 0-1 Argentina (World Cup) 15th July 1930
France 0-0 Argentina (International Friendly) 3rd June 1965
Argentina 4-3 France (International Friendly) 8th January 1971
Argentina 2-0 France (International Friendly) 12th January 1971
France 0-1 Argentina (International Friendly) 18th May 1974
Argentina 0-0 France (International Friendly) 26th June 1977
Argentina 2-1 France (World Cup) 6th June 1978
France 2-0 Argentina (International Friendly) 26th March 1986
France 0-1 Argentina (International Friendly) 7th February 2007
France 0-2 Argentina (International Friendly) 11th February 200
CURRENT MATCH ODDS (BEST PRICED ODDS)
France: 29/20 - Visit Betfair!
Draw: 21/10 - Visit Bet Victor!
Argentina: 13/5 - Visit Betfair!
SUMMING UP!
It would be unwise to write of any team containing Lionel Messi, he cannot do it all on his own however, and in their defence, Argentina have some real issues, which could turn out to be the key element to the outcome of the match. France have their own superstars in Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, and although they have failed to fire on all cylinders so far, they will consider the Argentina backline as an easy target. France to reach the last 16 looks a likely outcome.
MY RECOMMENDED BETS
- France to win 2-0: 10/1 - Visit Betfred!
- The game to be drawn at half time and France to win: 25/4 - Visit Unibet!
- Over 12.5 overall corners in the game is 9/2: Visit Betfred!
Please note all odds are correct at the time of publishing (17:20 29th June 2018) and are subject to change.
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