by Tom Allen
Argentina will progress to the last 16 in South Africa with just a draw
versus Greece on Tuesday but should be backed to maintain their 100 per cent
record in style.
All of a sudden tournament favourites, Argentina eased past Nigeria in their
opener before thumping a decent South Korea side 4-1 in Johannesburg and should
have nothing to fear from a poor Greek outfit.
Greece themselves still harbour hopes of the knockout stages but their
limitations were exposed in defeat to Group B's Asian representatives first up
and they were being outplayed by Nigeria, and behind, when Sami Kaita recklessly
got himself sent off.
I've no doubt that Nigeria would have held on for all three points last
Thursday were it not for Kaita's moment of madness, Greece turned things around
to win 2-1, and the gulf in class between these two is sizeable.
Were it any other nation, the concern would be that Argentina would settle
for the point they need to take them through as group winners but with Maradona
at the helm, and Lionel Messi in their ranks, I simply don't think that's a
possibility.
Messi, playing alongside Carlos Tevez, has looked in scintillating form so
far in South Africa and Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain can probably not
believe his luck.
Higuain has chance after chance created for him thanks to Messi's wonderful
attacking talent and the Real Madrid man helped himself to a hat-trick in the
demolition of South Korea.
Argentina look set for an extended stay at the finals, Mexico or Uruguay
await in the last 16, and I rate them much closer to the 1/2 mark to make it
three wins from three.
We'll find out more about Maradona's men as the tournament progresses but the
8/13 with
Ladbrokes or
Victor Chandler should be snapped up. Greece were outplayed by South Korea
in their opener and on that form line alone the 1986 winners rate a magnificent
wager at the prices.
Greece, knowing that only a win will probably be good enough, are bound to be
left exposed at the back and, even if the majestic Messi is rested late on,
Argentina have plenty of talent in reserve.
Sergio Aguero came on to good affect against the South Koreans once the match
was won and Argentina are superior in every conceivable department.
3pts Back Argentina (vs. Greece) @ 8/13 (Ladbrokes,
Victor Chandler)
