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Well, yesterday’s game didn’t go as planned. Not only did I lose the entire bet I placed, but my France ticket went up in flames when they decided it probably wasn’t worth trying to win. To be fair, Spain looked like the better team in the game, they looked more precise, more aggressive and simply smarter on the field.
England comes into this semi-final with some momentum. The team seemed a little shaky at the beginning of the tournament, but I feel like they have found a way to rebuild things. It also doesn’t hurt that Jude Bellingham has become a monster. He now has six goals, which ties Harry Kane for the team lead. Both are still in the Golden Boot conversation, but it will still take some time to determine that. England haven’t looked elite defensively outside of a key stretch in the game against Mexico, but now have their entire team back after being without a player due to a red card.
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring a first half equalizing goal against Norway. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
In the opening matches of the World Cup, you had to wonder a little if England were there simply to be there. In their first match, England defeated Croatia 4-2. In the next match, there was very little and they tied against Ghana. In the third game, Kane put the team on his back and scored two goals in a 2-0 victory over Panama. In the round of 16, the Democratic Republic of the Congo gave England everything they could. The game against Mexico was one of the best games I have ever seen and the defensive posture started with the aforementioned red card. Norway arguably had a chance to win, but one of the dumbest plays in history occurred, as it was a 2-on-1 opportunity for Norway and no one passed the ball to Erling Haaland, one of the best scorers in the tournament. England survives and now plays here.
ENGLAND SURPRISES MEXICO 3-2 IN WORLD CUP INSTANT CLASSIC, GIVING TEAM FIRST WORLD CUP LOSS AT AZTECA STADIUM
Surviving could also be a good way to describe what Argentina has done in this World Cup. Things have not been easy for this team in two of the last three games. There has been a lot of controversy, especially during the game against Egypt. Although there was also cause for controversy surrounding the England team, due to a ball hitting the camera before the goal was scored. Things happen, but some have been a little more questionable than others.
Lionel Messi and Argentina had to go through Switzerland to continue their quest for consecutive world titles. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
We know that Argentina’s objective is to get the ball to Lionel Messi. He’s one of the greatest players of all time and the hope is to position him to score as much as possible. He has certainly done his part with eight goals in the World Cup. He didn’t score against Switzerland and he really doesn’t go many games without scoring.
Does it make sense to bet on Messi scoring here? At +125, this is one of the first (and perhaps the only) times I remember him at this year’s World Cup getting more money for scoring 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 will pull the trigger against Messi.
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HOW TO WATCH ENGLAND VS ARGENTINA: LIVE STREAM THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS
Argentina’s Lionel Messi is looking to return to the World Cup final to add to the 2022 title, while Harry Kane and England hope to return to the final for the first time since 1966 when they meet on Wednesday in Atlanta. (GETTY)
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I also think the 2.5 over looks good. Yes, I think teams will be a little conservative and one will probably score and then try to stay away. However, mistakes happen and both teams have very capable scorers and sets. It might be better to play both teams to score at -130. Sure, either team could win 3-0 and the over cashes out, but not this bet. If it ends 1-1 after 90 minutes, I lose. That’s gambling. Although I have a little more confidence that three goals will be scored. I’ll take charge.
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