Argentina v South Korea Betting Preview

Written by Tony Concannon Wednesday, 16 June 2010 07:43

Betting Odds

Argentina take on South Korea on Thursday June 17 at 12:30 GMT in one one the most eagerly anticipated betting contests in Group B.

Both these teams won their opening games and should qualify from this group. Argentina looked impressive in beating Nigeria 1-0, and if it wasn't for the performance of Vincent Enyeama in the Nigerian goal, Diego Maradona's boys, and Lionel Messi in particular, could have racked up three or four. South Korea also looked good, winning 2-0, with Park Ji-Sung's early strike making sure the Koreans didn't slip up against Greece.

This will therefore be a much harder task for both countries and could go some way to showing their relative strengths and/or weaknesses. On the other hand, they could both settle for a bore draw in the knowledge that a point apiece will ease their progression to the knockout stages.

Betfair Prices

Argentina 1.51

South Korea 8.6

The Draw 4.4

However, Maradona may not think the same way, and could send his troops out with the intention of winning every group game, and thus sending a warning to others and increasing confidence in his side. As discussed in the squad preview, Argentina have an abundance of attacking options but perhaps some questions remain about their defence. The ploy of playing Jonas Gutierrez as a right-back against Nigeria was a little risky and can be viewed as an obvious weakness for South Korea to try to exploit.

Argentina may look strong in attack, but the South Korean defence only conceded four goals in qualifying. They will present a tough test for the likes of Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Milito and De Maria. Hu Jung-Moo's men don't offer too much strength in attack and Argentine defensive duo Martin Demichelis and Walter Samuel should be able to deal with anything they have to offer. They should however be wary of the Koreans on the counter attack. The midfield should cancel each other out and I can't see Juan Sebastian Veron getting much time on the ball. The Korean defence will be kept busy by Messi and co. but are tight and disciplined. A draw seems the most likely result, or Argentina to just edge it.

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