The Korea Republic and Argentina can book themselves into the next round with a win as both sit on top of Group B standings. Argentina has their sights firmly on a third title, while Korea is just hoping to make the Round of 16. World Cup oddsmakers at BODOG.com have Argentina as -225 moneyline favorites over Korea Republic (+800) with a DRAW at (+330). Be sure to get your Argentina vs Korea Republic Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group B in now at BODOG.com
Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0, but the victory margin would have been greater had it not been for Nigeria’s goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama's brilliant Man of the Match performance. After doing everything but score against Nigeria, Lionel Messi will hope for better luck in front of goal in his team's second outing at Ellis Park. Messi is pivotal to Argentina's success. Leading into the tournament, the 22-year-old had endured difficult times in an Argentinean shirt under Coach Diego Maradona. He still averages less than a goal every three games at international level, a disappointing tally for the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year. However, he feels a different man playing for Argentina this summer in South Africa. "Ever since we arrived here, my mentality has changed," said Messi. "I went through difficult times with the national team when things didn't come out the way I wanted to.” Argentina fans are hopeful Messi will continue to show the form he had for Barca this season. He won the European Golden Boot after netting 34 goals and also finished as the leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League with eight.
"Comparing ourselves with other teams, we have played some of the best football in the competition and created more chances than anybody else so far. Now we need to take the games as they come. We are still one of the favourites and that is why we are here – to win this World Cup," Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina forward.
Korea Republic got a 2-0 victory over Greece on Saturday, which should ensure confidence is high in the Korea Republic camp. Their win has lifted them to the top of Group B on goal difference; has given renewed hope and credence to South Korea's claims on a last 16 place. The Koreans' speed, sharp tactics and hunger had Greece in all sorts of trouble. Now they face the likes of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron. But, Korea also has talent in Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung, who confirmed his status against Greece by sealing Korea Republic's victory with a wonderful solo strike of which Messi himself would have been proud. Korea Republic finished fourth on home soil eight years ago which remains the best-ever result by an Asian team on the world stage.
"To be honest we are a little nervous heading into the match-up with Argentina as they have some of the world's best players. But we are not intimidated by their qualities and we have unwavering confidence in ourselves. They may boast Messi, but we can count on captain Park Ji-Sung to lead us to a good result," Kim Nam-Il, Korea Republic midfielder.
Argentina vs Korea Republic
When: Thursday, June 17 – 7:30 AM ET
Line: BODOG.com
Pick: Argentina -275
Point-Spreads.com Argentina vs Korea Republic Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group B
The Bottom Line: Argentina is an incredibly strong team for Korea Republic. However, the game of soccer is full of possibilities and Korea is notorious for pulling magic out of thin air. Be sure to get your Argentina vs Korea Republic Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group B in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% deposit bonus.
