After making a disastrous start to the competition and losing their opening game 2-1 to Saudi Arabia, Argentina topped their group after making light work of the other two games, with comfortable back-to-back 2-0 victories.Their opening result was one that shocked the world and cast doubt over Argentinas ability to go far in the tournament, but the response they’ve given has shown why they up there with the favourites for the competition. Although, progressing from the group stage in 13 out of their last 14 World Cup appearances, doesn’t make it much of a surprise that they managed to turn it around!It was a disastrous start for Australia too. They were on the end of a 4-1 thumping at the hands of current holders France. But, back-to-back 1-0 victories confirmed their place in the knockouts for the first time since 2006!35 places separate these two sides in the FIFA world rankings, showing the uphill task Australia have today. It has been the tournament of upsets so far, so a win for Australia wouldn’t be out of the ordinary.Although, on paper Argentina are the much stronger side with plenty of world class talent across the pitch and I fully expect them to come out on top in this one.The loss to Saudi Arabia was their first loss in over a year but more interestingly it’s the only time they’ve conceded in their last 8 games!Australia have scored more than 2 goals in their last 11 games. Meaning a clean sheet will be required in this one for them to stand any chance of progressing and trying to keep out a side who have scored 24 goals in their last 8 games (averaging 3.0 goals per game) will prove to be too much of a task for Aussies.Score Prediction: 2-0Bet Prediction: Argentina -1 Goal Handicap
