As this sports betting blog breaks down every different World Cup group, you'll notice all different kinds – deep ones, lopsided ones, and ones in the middle – like Group B. We don't really know what to expect from this group. Argentina has the clear edge, but it remains to be seen if its competition will make things difficult or not. Let's take a closer look.
Argentina (-250)
A somewhat weak showing in qualifying (fourth place) was concerning but the bottom line is that Argentina has what many people believe to be the best soccer player on Earth: Lionel Messi. In fact, coach Diego Maradona claims that Messi is better than he was; high praise indeed. With Juan Sebastian Veron also on board as a strong presence in the midfield, Argentina will more than likely be a force in the tournament. But Messi has to be at the top of his game and nothing less.
Nigeria (+450)
The Super Eagles appear to have the inside track to join Argentina as the Group B survivors. They have an outstanding keeper in Vincent Enyeama and some decent offensive weapons in Obafemi Martins and Chinedu Obasi. We have to give them the sportsbook edge over offensively challenged Greece and South Korea.
Greece (+750)
"Ho-hum" would be the word I'd use to describe the Greeks. Their defense is nice and they have an inspiring captain in Giorgos Karagounis but this is just their second World Cup berth. A trip to the round of 16 feels like a stretch.
South Korea (+1150)
The best betting advice about South Korea is to get their miracle 2002 run out of your mind. Sure, they beat Ivory Coast during qualifying and went undefeated, making them a decent sleeper in this group. But I just don't think they have the depth or talent to stand with Argentina or Nigeria.
Free pick: Argentina and Nigeria. Messi should help Argentina run through this group and Nigeria has the second-best roster on paper by a fair margin.
