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Well, yesterday’s game didn’t go according to plan. Not only did I lose the total bet I placed, but my France ticket went up in flames when they decided it probably wasn’t worth trying to win. In all fairness, Spain looked the better team in the game, looking more precise, more aggressive and just plain smarter on the pitch.
England come into this semi-final with some momentum. The team looked a bit shaky at the start of the tournament, but I feel they have found a way to pull things together. It also doesn’t hurt that Jude Bellingham has become a monster out there. He is now up to six goals, which ties Harry Kane for the team lead. Both are still in the conversation for the Golden Boot, but that will still take some time to be decided. England haven’t looked elite in defense outside of a key stretch in the Mexico game, but now have their full squad back after being without a man due to a red card.
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring a first-half equalizer against Norway. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
In the first few games of the World Cup, one had to wonder if England were just there to be there. In their first game, England took down Croatia 4-2. In the next match there was very little movement and it was a draw against Ghana. In the third game, Kane put the team on his back, scoring two goals in a 2-0 win over Panama. In the knockout stage, Congo DR gave England everything it could handle. The game against Mexico was one of the best games I’ve ever seen and the defensive attitude started because of the aforementioned red card. Norway undoubtedly had a shot to win, but one of the dumbest plays ever happened when it was a 2-on-1 opportunity for Norway and nobody passed the ball to Erling Haaland, one of the best scorers in the tournament. England survives and now plays here.
ENGLAND BEAT MEXICO 3-2 IN INSTANT WORLD CUP CLASSIC, HANDED FIRST LOSS OF WORLD CUP AT ESTADIO AZTECA
Surviving can also be a good way to describe what Argentina has done this World Cup. Things have not been easy for this team in two of the last three games. There has been plenty of controversy, especially during the Egypt match. Although there was also reason to have controversy surrounding the England team, due to a ball hitting the camera before a goal was scored. Things happen, but some of them have been a little more questionable than others.
Lionel Messi and Argentina had to get through Switzerland to continue their quest for World Cup titles. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
We know Argentina’s goal is to get the ball to Lionel Messi. He is one of the best players ever and the hope is to position him to score as much as possible. He has certainly done his fair share with eight goals in the World Cup. He didn’t score against Switzerland and he really doesn’t go many games without finding the net.
Does it make sense to bet on Messi scoring here? At +125, this is one of the first times (and maybe the only time) that I can remember him in the WC this year to be plus money to score a goal. England have allowed a goal in all but two of their World Cup games, so it’s not like the team is untouchable. I want to pull the trigger for Messi.
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HOW TO WATCH ENGLAND VS ARGENTINA: LIVESTREAM 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL
Argentina’s Lionel Messi looks set to return to the World Cup finals to add to the title in 2022, while Harry Kane and England hope to return to the final for the first time since 1966 when they meet in Atlanta on Wednesday. (GETTY)
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I also think over 2.5 is a good look. Yes, I think the teams will be a bit conservative and it is likely to score and then try to stay away. Mistakes do happen, however, and both teams have very capable scorers and sets. Maybe it is better to play both teams to score to -130. Of course, both teams could win 3-0 and the profit cashes in, but this bet doesn’t. If it ends 1-1 after 90 minutes, I lose. It’s betting. However, I am a little more confident that three goals will be scored. I’ll take over.
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