Argentina vs. Australia 12/3/22 World Cup Soccer Picks, Predictions, Odds

Argentina and Australia face off on Saturday in the World Cup Round of 16 soccer showdown at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. 

Argentina finished in 1st place in Group C picking up six points. Argentina opened up the World Cup with a shocking defeat, losing 2-1 at the hands of Saudi Arabia. There was real concern about that loss, but since that game, they have beaten Mexico 2-0 and in the last game they beat Poland 2-0. Against Poland, Argentina had 74 percent of the possession and 12 shots on target. Argentina could make some changes heading into this game, and one player who could get the start could be Lisandro Martínez, who would move into the defense. 

On the other side of this matchup is Australia who finished in second place of Group B picking up six points. In the first game of the World Cup, Australia lost to France 4-1 and there were some real concerns about the team. In Game 2 though, they beat Tunisia 1-0; in the last game, they beat Denmark 1-0. Matthew Leckie scored in the 60th minute, to help Australia advance. They had 31 percent of the possession and only four shots on target, but they scored the only goal, and ended up winning. Craig Goodwin only played 45 minutes in the last game and there are some questions about if he will play again in this game, or just be available off the bench. 

Argentina has been dominant in each of the last two games, and I expect much of the same here. Against Poland, they scored two goals, and I expect they are going to run up the score again in this game. Look for Argentina to score at least two goals here, and this will be a comfortable victory. Australia isn’t going to get on the board. Back Argentina -1.5 to cash here. It wouldn’t shock me if Argentina won this game 4-0 or 5-0.