What: Argentina vs. Iran
When: Saturday, June 21st 2014 at 11 AM CDT
Where: Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
Argentina and Iran are facing off in each team’s second match of the 2014 World Cup. Iran is facing its toughest challenge yet and most are predicting Argentina will take this one fairly handily.
It looks like Lionel Messi is finally warmed up to World Cup play after going 8 scoreless years. He scored one in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. I would not underestimate the confidence boost that probably came with breaking the drought. Messi is only going to improve from here on out.
The Iranians played Nigeria to a 0-0 draw in their first match. Iran is looking solid on defense, but they’re going to have a tough time putting any points on the board without opening themselves up in turn. It’s really hard to see how Iran pulls this one off.
Here’s a look at the moneylines, point spreads and totals for both teams at Bovada and Bet365.
Bovada Odds
Note: Bovada is USA-friendly. Place your bets here with a credit or debit card instantly.
Moneylines and Point Spreads
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Totals
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Bet365 Odds
Note: Bet365 does not accept customers from the USA. However, it is one of my all-time favorites for anyone outside the US. Bet365 has been around forever and they are legit.
Fulltime Result
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Point Total
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My Pick
The consensus is pretty clear on this game so I’d skip the straight bets. Actually, there is one that looks good. If you’re a gambling man, that alternate point spread that has Iran +1.5 at +190 is worth a second look. All Iran has to do is NOT lose by 2 or more points. Their defense can pull that off often enough to make a +190 bet profitable over the long run. I think.
For point spreads, look for the over on 3 at anything better than -150. Totals of 3.5 are paying much better, but you’re going to need to see 4 goals in this game. I don’t think the payout odds are worth it for the 3.5 total. Iran is probably in trouble but their defense is still solid.