Scaloni defends Argentina amid criticism while England offers value on the moneyline, with Kane and BTTS among the top betting plays
Incredible comments from Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni ahead of his team’s World Cup semi-final today against England (3 p.m. EST, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia).
Media critique has zeroed in on the defending World Cup champions’ lack of dominance so far, suggesting they’re fortunate to be where they are.
“The team isn’t playing as bad as people say. We must have done something right to reach this stage,” he said yesterday, per ESPN. “I’m grateful to the players. They’ve led us to three titles and now another semifinal.”
That’s exactly it. The World Cup had 48 teams out of the gate this time, each with its own set of unique strengths. It’s no cakewalk to get this far. People read into the extra time needed to beat Cape Verde and Switzerland, and the dramatic rally down 2-0 to Egypt.
The only good news is that the same critique is heading England’s way, first and foremost from their manager, Thomas Tuchel. He’s been public about his unhappiness with his team’s performance against Norway in the quarterfinal.
Everyone has been talking about Jude Bellingham and less about Harry Kane over the past few days. Kane, though, is the best striker Argentina has faced in this World Cup.
In World Cup betting at Betway this morning, England is +162, Argentina +190, and a draw +187.
I am going to take England to win (+162) because I think they found something as a team during their 3-2 Round 16 win over Mexico, in front of over 80,000 fans at the high-altitude Estadio Banorte. That’s even though this is about as evenly matched a World Cup semifinal as you will find.
Under 2.5 Total Goals, looking at how tight the knockout games have been.
Kane +140 Anytime Goalscorer is another lean for the big game.
And with elite attacking talent on both sides (Kane and Bellingham on the England side, with Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez on the Argentina side, I am also taking Both Teams to Score (Yes, +105). And what about Over 7.5 Total Corners (+100 at Betway)? These are two offence-first squads that will apply sustained pressure and plenty of crosses. I’m liking the corner market for the game.
Odds for the Golden Boot are also interesting if you’re looking to dip in there. Messi, with eight goals, is -138, followed by France’s Kylian Mbappé at +162, also at eight goals, and now eliminated from the tournament after yesterday’s semi-final loss to Spain.
Then there’s Kane, with six goals (+1000) and Bellingham, also with six goals (+1600).
