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Romania will host a full strength Argentina side on Wednesday at National Arena and will hope to get an honorable result, but surely they won`t fancy their odds too much.
Romania has not played a match since missing the chance to advance to the 2014 World Cup after losing to Greece in the playoffs (1-3, 1-1). The hosts were somewhat fortunate to even reach that stage, as they were the 3rd best team in their group but got some lucky breaks and finished 2nd, eventually ending up losing (deservingly) to a not so strong Greece side. Romania is a decent side that can get a result on their day, but all in all the roster is poor, arguably the worse in the last 30 or so years and the team can’t realistically hope to challenge top sides on any other way than defending for a draw. The defense is the strong point for the hosts, with coach Piturca being a very good tactician and also having some decent players at the back.
Argentina played its last match in November, routing Bosnia 2-0 in St. Louis after easily advancing to the World Cup by winning the South American qualifying group. The team has clearly improved lately under Alejandro Sabella, as the amalgam of superstars developed some chemistry and consistency at national team level.
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Team news & lineups
Not much to say here, each manager has called up the players he saw fit for this game. Mutu for Romania and Tevez for Argentina could be considered notable absences. Messi will start the game for the visitors, Aguero is doubtful. Sabella will decide his first 11 close to game time (it will be the best available for sure) but the Romanian lineup is pretty predictable:
Romania: Tatarusanu – Matel, Chiriches, Gardos, Rat – Pintilii, Bourceanu – Tanase, Stancu, Torje – Marica
Clearly Argentina will not push too much here, I don`t expect them to be at 100% by no means – even is Alejadro Sabella insisted that they will treat this game with complete focus and determination. But even at a lower pace, Argentina should be able to comfortably rout a Romanian side that is currently in all sorts of trouble and lacks quality big-time. The hosts will give it their all but sheer quality should see Argentina get the result. Romania’s defensive game will suit the visitors perfectly under the circumstances, as they will be able to hold the ball and initiate individual actions without having to run too much on the field. The odds are great here and I can see Argentina easily scoring 2-3 goals, while Romania might, maybe, get one if the visitors will be even more relaxed than expected.
My tip is Argentina to win with -1 asian handicap and it`s really a simple pick this one. Maximum stakes without hesitation, I can’t see Romania getting a result here under no circumstances. Correct result prediction: Romania – Argentina 0-2.
Pick: Argentina (-1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.82 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 8.20
Event date: 5 March
