Group B pits two time champions Argentina (1978, 1986) with Euro 2004 winners Greece, and Asian and African powerhouses South Korea and Nigeria respectively. The group will bring back memories of USA '94 when Argentina, Greece and Nigeria were all paired together.
Argentina ($1.10 to advance) - Argentina's chances in this World Cup can be summed up in two words - Diego Maradona. The Argentinians have a sensational squad but are coached by a mad genius in the form of Maradona. If the coke fiend can keep his interference to a bare minimum then this squad definitely has the ability to bring a third Cup back to Buenos Aires.
Nigeria ($2.10) - With the overnight injury to Drogba, Nigeria are now Africa's best hope of a fairytale victory for the home continent. Nigeria, returning to the tournament after an absence in 2006, has twice made it to the second stage and in an even group (behind seed Argentina) they may be able to achieve the same again. If it turns out their is an 'Africa' premium they may be able to go even further.
South Korea ($3.75) - Memorably made the semis at home in the 2002 tournament when coached by Aussie Guus (and helped by a raft of criminally poor refereeing decisions in their favour). Korea failed to repeat that performance in Germany four years ago and are unlikely to reach such heady heights here in Africa. Getting out of the group is probably the best the Koreans can hope for.
Greece ($2.50) - Do not watch any matches involving Greece UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!! They play an atrocious brand of defensive football which somehow fluked them the 2004 Euro title on the back of a bunch of 1-0 'snorefests'. They will play almost their entire team behind the ball and hope to hit teams on the break (or hope they literally put their opposition to sleep). Pray they get eliminated in the group stage so we don't have to see any more than 3 of their matches.
What 2 Watch 4 - Lionel Messi (Argentina) - coming off a sensational club season with Barcelona Messi could be primed to follow in the footsteps of his manager's performance in Mexico a quarter of a century ago. Can single handedly take his team to the last 4.
Suggested Investment - In an open group outside Argentina the value probably lies in picking the second place finisher. Good odds abound if you can pick who goes through with the South American giant.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
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