Bookmakers: Argentina second-favorites for World Cup title

Qualifying in first from Group C despite a shaky start, Argentina are once again regarded second favorites to win the 2022 World Cup, with their odds shortening after yesterday’s comfortable 2-0 win over Poland.

Before the tournament, bookmakers gave Brazil and Argentina the biggest chances of winning, but doubled down on the Brazilians after their strong start and Argentina’s shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

Five-time world champions Brazil remain favorites — currently priced at 5/2 — but Argentina’s price has narrowed to 5/1 in the past 24 hours.

France come close behind in third at 11/2, while Spain (17/2) and England (9/1) are in with a decent outside chance, say bookmakers.

Argentina’s chances of progressing further increased due to their last 16 matchup with Australia, a match they are highly favored to win. Were they to progress to the quarter-final, they would face the winner of the Netherlands versus the U.S. — neither side has been impressive thus far. Both matches will be played on Saturday.

Argentina have won the World Cup twice in their history, once as the host nation in 1978 and then again in Mexico in 1986 — with a side inspired by the genius of Diego Maradona. More recently, they reached the final in the 2014 tournament in Brazil, losing the decisive match to Germany.

There is great desire among Argentinian supporters to come away with the trophy this year, principally as it will be the final international tournament of forward Lionel Messi — who despite a glittering and record-breaking club career has only managed to win one trophy for Argentina, last year’s Copa America in Brazil.

Despite a favorable draw for the last 16, Argentina will have to overcome stern opposition to win their third title. If probabilities hold, they are likely to face Brazil in the semi-finals, and potential final opponents include France, England, Portugal, and Germany.

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