Brazil and Argentina Betting Preview

What a prospect, Brazil and Argentina clashing at Arsenal's new home, the grand amphitheatre that is the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. This may be a friendly, but it will only be a 'friendly' in name. Make no mistake, whenever these two sides clash passions will run high. There may not be much at stake in this fixture in the minds eye of the mutual spectator, but the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is one of the longest-standing in football history. This is about more than just one game. This is about footballing supremacy in South America! In my opinion, it is surprising to see that Brazil are the bookies' unanimous favourites in the match result betting as Argentina looked much the better side to me in the World Cup Finals. The Albiceleste couldn't outpoint the tenacious hosts, Germany, in the quarter-finals but they emerged from the tournament as having played arguably the most attractive free-flowing, attacking football. Argentina have a wealth of young talent in their squad - the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Teves spring instantly to mind - and overall they looked like a team collectively moving in the same direction during the World Cup Finals. In contrast, the Seleção failed to establish the sort of cohesion within their team with which they have become synonymous over the years. Surprisingly, given his outstanding season at club level with the all-conquering Barcelona, the world's best player, Ronaldinho, failed to make the World Cup stage his own, as had been widely predicted. His failure to deliver is not something for which is solely culpable, because the team in general just wasn't firing. Don't get me wrong, there are positives to be gleaned from Brazil's displays at the Finals, not least that of the irrepressible Kaka, and Robinhoo looked lively every time he stepped into the breach from off the subs bench. But all in all, much of the Brazilian side appears to be on the descendency, whereas the Argentiniens are very much on the ascendency with their current crop if players. It's difficult to be too dogmatic about the way this game will pan out. We know that the strength of both sides lies in their attacking flair and, as such, there is always a chance that both will neglect their defensive responsibilities, throw caution to the wind, and the game could end up being an end to end game of counter-attacks. For the mutual supporters, this would be a veritable footballing feast. When push comes to shove, though, I wouldn't be willing to stick my neck out, even though a foray into the total goals market is tempting - there are some tasty prices on offer for those willing to back four goals (13/2) or five (10/1). However, my advice is to play it safe and lap up the value bet of 9/5 with bet365 about Argentina in the match result market. I am confident that Jose Pekerman's charges will have the Samba Boys' measure on this occasion. Verdict - 2pts Argentina in the match result betting @ 9/5 (bet365)