JULY 9: HOLLAND v ARGENTINA BETTING PREVIEW

AFTER Germany's sensational 7-1 win against Brazil you have to wonder if Argentina and Holland want to face them in the Final.

I know Brazil were poor but on that display the Germans will lift the trophy no matter who they face in Rio on Sunday. And they'll probably beat Scotland in their first competitive game after the World Cup. Probably!

There was a lot of debate on the site about the Germany-Brazil game and how difficult it was to call. I've already said the absences of Thiago Silva and Neymar led me to go for the Germans but there was a 50-50 split among site contributors and pundits in general. However, I have to credit Scotland boss Gordon Strachan who wrote off the Brazilians in his Daily Record column and gave excellent reasoning.

In hindsight the first semi-final was easy to call and maybe Argentina-Holland will be too but I don't have that gift.

So until I can see into the future this game is another that could go either way. If Holland repeat their display against Spain they'll win – if they play as they did against Costa Rica in the quarters they'll lose.

Argentina have been fairly consistent throughout – steady but not spectacular – and of course have a genius in their line-up in the shape of Lionel Messi. In fact in many ways tonight could be all about Messi v Arjen Robben.

It's not an exaggeration to suggest whichever No.10 plays best could finish on the winning side. Messi's not been as prominent as Robben but his goals and assists have carried Argentina into the last four and he is capable of moments of magic.

He had been well supported by Angel di Maria and the injured Real Madrid midfielder will be missed -as will Man City's Sergio Aguero.

Robben's outshone fellow forward Robin van Persie, a doubt for tonight, and was a constant threat against Costa Rica. In fact he and Wesley Sneijder were the only Dutch destroyers on the night as Louis van Gaal's side eventually won on penalties.

While Holland blew a handful of chances their display was poor and Argentina looked better against Belgium. For that reason I'm backing the South Americans, who I tipped on the anteposts, to qualify for the Final but again not with over-confidence.

It won't be easy though and I can't rule out a draw in 90 minutes which means Argentina may need extra time or penalties to progress. The Argies are strong favourites at 8-11 with Ladbrokes to qualify with the Dutch 5-4 at McBookie and BetVictor.

To win in 90 minutes Argentina are 6-4 with McBookie and BetVictor while Holland are 12-5 (various) and the draw 11-5 (general).

Messi and Robben will be popular on the first-scorer markets with Messi 4-1 with McBookie and others to net first and Robben 7-1.

Gonzalo Higuain, who broke his duck with the only goal against Belgium, is also 7-1 and a Dutch alternative is Sneijder at 12-1 (William Hill).

Unlike last night's goalfest could be a slow burner with the first goal likely to come after 31 minutes. That pays 10-11 at William Hill.

Ten of Holland's 12 goals at this World Cup have come after half-time according to easyodds. William Hill offer 7-4 on the Dutch scoring more goals in the second half than the first.

In addition the last four Dutch goals have all come after the 75th minute. It's 5-6 with bet365 through easyodds that there is a goal in the match after the 68th minute.

Argentina have not been behind at any stage in the tournament. Easyodds show they are favourites to be the first team to score, best priced at 97-100 with Marathon Bet. The Dutch are 20-1 with BetVictor and McBookie to become the first side at the tournament to turnaround a deficit against Argentina and win.

Argentina have won all their matches by a one-goal margin. Another victory by a goal for the South Americans is best odds of 16-5 with Ladbrokes while a win for either side in 90 minutes by a single-goal margin is 4-5 at Betway.

Recommended Bets

Messi to score
(31-20, McBookie)

Sneijder to score
(9-2, bet365)

Argentina to qualify
(8-11, Ladbrokes)

Goal after 68 minutes
(5-6, bet365)

World Cup 2022 Coverage

• What's coming up? View a list of upcoming World Cup Fixtures.
• Missed a match? Check out our World Cup Results for all the latest full-time goals.
• Think you know who will win outright? Then View our World Cup Odds comparison tables from top UK bookmakers.
• Betting Offer: We have collected world cup betting offers all in one place so you don't have to.
• Group by Group Betting Tips; Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F, Group G, Group H.
• World Cup Betting Tips; Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Group Stage Acca, Dark Horses and Outright Winners
• Highbet: Sportsbook and online casino with 30+ sports, 100's of betting markets and competitive betting odds.

🔗 Share on Social Media