Argentina vs Korea Republic Odds: World Cup Betting

The first match on Thursday will feature a Group B bracket match-up with Argentina vs Korea Republic kicking off at 7:30am EST (13:30) from Johannesburg, South Africa. Both Argentina and Korea have accumulated 3-points but the Asian squad holds a one goal lead over the tournament favorites in Group B. Diego Maradona's squad pulled off a mediocre 1-0 win over Nigeria on Saturday while Korea pulled off 2-0 upset victory over the 2004 EURO champions Greece. Online bookmakers have Argentina -275 money line favorites in 2010 World Cup betting vs the Korea Republic +800 with a draw paying +330.

The Albiceleste are also +1 goal (-115) favorites in point-spread soccer odds over South Korea +1 goal (-115) while the over/under total is sitting at 2.5 UNDER (-165). Argentina will need to find a way to free up Lionel Messi (Barcelona) if they expect to win on Thursday since he still averages less than a goal in International play under Maradona but the FIFA World Player of the Year remains confident. "We played a good first game and we created a lot of chances," said Messi this week. "We were able to get clean balls up front and that is what you need. If we play as we did against Nigeria, we can be calm."

South Korea played a fast-paced brilliant game against Greece stunning them 2-0 in their opening round match. Lee Jung Soo scored early in the first half (7th minute) followed by an early second half goal (52nd minute) from Park Ji Sung and held Greece scoreless to secure the first round victory. "We knew Greece were good in the air so we kept the ball on the ground and tried to find a gap in their defense," Park Ji-Sung said after the win. With a win against tournament favorites Argentina, the Korea Republic are almost assured a spot in the round of 16. Bet South Korea +800 as money line underdogs in World Cup betting odds for their second stage Group B match vs Argentina.