England Opens at -120 Over Argentina in World Cup Semifinal as Messi Chases 9th Goal Run
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 12
England Opens at -120 Over Argentina in World Cup Semifinal as Messi Chases 9th Goal Run
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 12
Summary
BetMGM and DraftKings opened England at -120 to reach the World Cup final, with Argentina at -105 — effectively a 52-48 edge ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta.
That narrow pricing reflects two teams that have repeatedly survived knockout drama: England needed extra time against Norway after earlier scares, while Argentina also went beyond 90 minutes against Cape Verde and Switzerland.
Lionel Messi has driven Argentina’s attack with 8 goals and 2 assists, even after his 9-match World Cup scoring streak ended against Switzerland; England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have 6 goals each.
Sportsbooks still expect a cagey game, favoring under 2.5 goals even though both sides scored in all 6 of their knockout matches and both-teams-to-score odds are nearly even.
The matchup also carries historic weight beyond form, reviving one of football’s fiercest rivalries nearly 40 years after Maradona’s two iconic goals against England.