FRANKLIN JACOME / POOL / AFP

World Cup Group C Matchday 1 Odds, Preview, and Betting Tips

The World Cup continues with Lionel Messi’s Argentina getting up and running with what the World Cup matchday 1 odds say should be a comfortable opening win against minnows South Africa.

In the other game in the opening round of Group B games it is Mexico v Poland, with the World Cup betting odds suggesting this match could be a straight shootout for qualification behind Argentina.

Argentina v Saudi Arabia

• When? Tuesday, 22nd November, 10:00 GMT
• Where? Lusail Stadium
• Broadcast: ITV

Messi is set to play at the World Cup for the last time and the veteran attacker is in fine form as he heads to Qatar 2022, prompting home hopes he could finally deliver the top prize for Argentina. A long wait for international honours came to an end at the Copa America, so could Messi and Argentina go one step better by lifting the Jules Rimet trophy at the end of this year’s tournament?

The World Cup Group C matchday 1 betting odds suggest that Argentina, two-time winners of the tournament who went out in the round of 16 four years ago in Russia, could not have hoped for an easier opening game. Saudi Arabia are rank outsiders and offered at 35/2 to win this clash. Seeking value from the World Cup Group C odds is therefore going to be something for a challenge here.

Argentina have won their last four games without conceding a goal, including a 3-0 Wembley defeat of European champions Italy in the Finalissima clash in the summer. This therefore seems a decent place to start for siding with Messi and co, with 888Sport offering 3/5 for Argentina to win to nil. The 5/4 for Argentina to win both halves is another good option taking into account the huge gulf in class between these two sides, with Saudi Arabia having no history to speak of at World Cup tournaments.

Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup on six occasions, but they have not gone any further than the group stage since their debut at USA 1994. Four years ago, they did at least go home with a win to their name after they beat Egypt 2-1 after losses without scoring to Russia and Uruguay. Coach Herve Renard is an experienced manager who brings stability to Saudi Arabia and they will be expected to be well-organised in Qatar, while offering little hope in attack.

A blowout win is very possible if Argentina’s attack clicks, so the handicap markets have to be worth checking out from the World Cup Group C odds. Argentina -2 is offered at a good price of 7/5 by 888Sport while the 8/13 anytime goalscorer price for Messi is another option to consider for this one. Messi to score first in a 4-0 win for Argentina appeals at a big price of 20/1 with 888Sport too.

Mexico v Poland

• When? Tuesday, 22nd November, 10:00 GMT
• Where? Stadium 974
• Broadcast: ITV

With Argentina widely expected to top Group C, Mexico and Poland are likely to be slugging it out for qualification behind Messi’s men. This makes their opening clash of vital importance to their hopes.

Mexico have a remarkably consistent record, reaching the round of 16 but going no further in seven straight appearances at the World Cup. But fitness concerns over their star attackers, Raul Jimenez and Jesus Corona, will be giving coach Tata Martino sleepless nights ahead of this opening clash. Mexico lost away games to both Canada and the United States during qualification, suggesting this group might not travel particularly well, which must be taken into account when assessing this game.

Poland’s hopes of making it beyond the group stage for the first time since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico rest firmly on the shoulders of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, who heads to Qatar having hit 18 goals in La Liga and the Champions League since a summer switch from Bayern Munich.

Due to the fact that Mexico’s last five World Cup qualifiers produced just four goals and Poland tend to struggle to create chances for star striker Lewandowski, a close-fought game seems certain here. Under 2.5 goals seems likely to land at a price of 8/15 with 888Sport, while it might also be worth taking on the same bookmaker’s offer of 33/20 for there to be under 1.5 goals in this Group C game.

Poland have never won their opening game at a World Cup, whereas Mexico tend to shoot out of the blocks. They have won five and drawn one from their last six World Cup openers, so despite doubts over the fitness of some of their key players, Mexico to win at 17/10 with 888Sport is recommended.

Author: Jamie Smith