Argentina will defeat the world champions
In addition to all the Euro 2012 qualifiers taking place tonight, there is also a glamorous international friendly between Argentina and Spain in Buenos Aires which promises to be just as keenly contested.
Spain's insistence on taking friendlies seriously is illustrated by their record of only suffering two defeats in their last 57 outings, with a staggering 50 of those encounters ending in 90-minute success for the world and European champions.
Argentina's have two major motivations, with the players eager to prove that they can compete against the elite after their 4-0 trouncing at the hands of Germany at the World Cup, and caretaker boss Sergio Batista determined to earn the job on a permanent basis.
Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has promised to do his bit to help out the former Under-20s coach, saying: "The team doesn't see Batista as an interim coach. We know that he is now our boss, and we are going to do everything possible so that things go well, that way he can continue being our coach."
The hosts will take heart from Spain's struggle in Mexico last month, in which only an injury-time strike by David Silva spared Vicente del Bosque's side from a rare loss.
La Roja have won the last two meetings between the nations but have never beaten them away, having last visited in 1974. Argentina have lost just once as hosts in almost 14 years, winning their last six, so the home victory is our call at [2.48], while over 2.5 also looks worthy of investment at [2.04].
Argentina v Spain
Kick-off: 9pm
Live on ITV4
Think the world champions will make it 51 wins in 58? They can be backed at [3.1]...
Published: 7 Sep 2010
Leave a comment