Group B Betting Preview

Group B Outright Odds
Argentina 8.50
Nigeria 251.0
South Korea 151.0
Greece 251.0

This group is all about the race for second spot as we all expect Argentina and Diego Maradona to go through as winners. Granted, much has been written about El Diego's tenure in charge but he has enough talent at his disposal and the guaranteed respect of his players to ensure they top the group to set up a clash with the runners-up of Group A.

Argentina certainly may have made heavy weather of qualifying but there is no doubting the quality in the squad. Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain ran riot in La Liga last season and there is always Diego Milito to consider. Scoring goals won't be a problem for the Albiceleste. Keeping their suspect temperament in check and playing well for more than three games may be, though. Back them at 1.44 to win the group.

Greece ruined the summer of 2004 for many bookies when they charged to the European Championships at 151.0. Wily old Otto Rehhagel qualified Greece for their second World Cup in the play-offs and his side will be as resolute and dogged as always, which won't be pretty on the eye. If you want entertainment go to the cinema.

Nigeria have been beset with their regular mishaps in preparations, struggling to organise friendlies and hiring a new manager in February despite finishing third in the Africa Cup of Nations. Lars Lagerback has a major job on his hands and the absence of John Obi Mikel is another blow. The Nigerian FA have hopes of reaching the semi-finals but it's more likely they'll be home before the postcards arrive in Lagos.


South Korea lost their most recent friendly against favourites Spain 1-0 and gave La Roja a few scares. It took a screamer from Jesus Navas for Korea to be broken down and they've kept clean sheets in four of the last six. The team have been preparing using altitude tents and their destiny will likely be determined by their opener with Greece.

Betting Potential
Scoping around for value is all about who you fancy to finish second behind Argentina. All three sides are capable of beating each other and the bookies have their concerns about Greece, who have never scored in the World Cup, with Nigeria the favourites to progress and South Korea as outsiders. A dual forecast of Argentina/Nigeria progressing is valued at 2.20, Argentina/Greece 2.90 and Argentina/South Korea 5.17.

This is a tough group to call as the three lesser teams can all beat each other on their day. Argentina as group winners on the other hand at 1.44 should be safe money.

To Qualify
Argentina 1.10
Greece 2.35
Nigeria 1.95
South Korea 3.43

Not to qualify
Argentina 6.0
Greece 1.57
Nigeria 1.80
South Korea 1.25

Best Bet
Greece against South Korea is unlikely to be an epic. The Greeks played out a 2-2 draw with North Korea in May but this match with their rivals from the south will surely be a tighter affair. Don't expect many goals so I'm backing a half-time draw at 1.83, under 2 goals at 1.88 and Greece to win by one at 4.0.

Outside Bet
Argentina to notch up seven points at 3.25. The bookies have their doubts over Messi and co. taking maximum points with a 100% record in the group priced at 3.50. Expect them to slip up somewhere, perhaps in the last game against Greece if the European outfit need a result, which is likely.