Argentina vs South Africa Odds
| Argentina Odds | +120 |
| South Africa Odds | +250 |
| Draw | +210 |
| Over/Under | 2.5 (+160 / -211) |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes/No) | (+120 / -163) |
| Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute World Cup odds here. | |
Two more teams at this World Cup will have a chance to get their first-ever World Cup win on Thursday when Argentina and South Africa face off.
Argentina suffered a late loss to Italy their last time out, while South Africa nearly toppled the third-ranked team in the world in Sweden. But, they may have lost their best player for it.
Read on for my analysis and pick for Argentina vs South Africa.
Argentina Have to Capitalize on Quality
Still looking for their first World Cup win, Argentina suffered a devastating blow against Italy in their opener thanks to a Cristiana Girelli strike in the 87th minute. Still, Argentina pushed a better team to its limit in their opener, which could bode well for them against South Africa.
While Italy had more shots, Argentina managed to control 36% of the possession. One area in which Argentina struggled was passing. They completed just 274-of-367 passes, while Italy attempted a similar number and were more efficient in completing them. Argentina would do well to improve their passing against a team like South Africa, and they should be able to as the Banyana Banyana allowed Sweden to complete 467-of-566 passes.
Defensively, Argentina matched up well against Italy, forcing 72 turnovers and applying pressure that they would do well to replicate against South Africa.
This is a team that has the ability to score, but was held scoreless for the first time all year against Italy. Previously, they had won five of six friendlies – including against New Zealand back in February – and drew the other. During that time, they outscored opponents 15-1. So while Argentina are capable, especially with Atletico Madrid winger Estefania Banini on the roster, they need to be more clinical.
South Africa Looking to Build on Near Upset
South Africa nearly pulled off one of the bigger upsets of the tournament after going up 1-0 against Sweden. Hildah Magaia was once again magic for the Banyana Banyana, putting one home in the 48th minute to break the tie. But she got injured on the play and couldn’t finish out the game.
"We call her the breadwinner when she gets in front of the goal. When she gets in front of the goal, nine times out of 10, she'll put it in," South African coach Desiree Ellis said on Thursday. "She's very influential and very versatile and very multifunctional. But we don't focus too much on one individual. We don't want to rely on one individual. We pride ourselves on teamwork."
South Africa held their own where it mattered, with four shots on goal and 10 total – not too far off from Sweden’s totals. But they managed just 27% of possession, with Sweden dominating. They were also dwarfed in their passing, and they would do well to improve upon that aspect of their game against Argentina.
Argentina vs South Africa Pick
Both of these teams are still looking for their first World Cup win, and I think one will walk away having achieved the feat. While South Africa could provide a problem for Argentina, the status of Hildah Magaia helps to determine just how much of a problem. If she’s healthy, they’re more dangerous. If not, Argentina will have a little bit of room to breathe.
Either way, Argentina will look to dominate possession in this one and get back to their goal scoring ways after being held scoreless their last time out. If they find Banini and manage to get their passing back in order, Argentina will prevail. I take La Albiceleste in this one, 3-1.
The Pick: Argentina 3 – South Africa 1 (Argentina ML, -120 via bet365)
