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05th Jul 2014

World Cup Bet of the Day: Argentina and Belgium to be decided on penalties

With very little to choose between these two European heavyweights, we think they'll finish level after 90 minutes. What happens after that is anyone's guess.

JOE

Surely one of the quarter-final will go the distance and we think that this game has the best shot.

Ladbrokes-Bet1

Let’s face it, neither of yesterday’s two quarter-finals were up to the standard set so far at this World Cup. While Brazil’s win over Colombia had a certain attraction is you like violence, dismal refereeing and thunderous David Luiz free kicks, the other game between Germany and France was a dog of a match and arguably the worst of the entire tournament so far.

But both were settled in the 90 minutes. Five of the eight last 16 games went into extra time and two went to penalties. Using that logic (Yes, we’re trying to introduce logic to our gambling now) at least one of the quarter-finals should be decided by spot kicks. And much as we love Costa Rica we think Holland will be too strong tonight leaving the other game, Argentina v Belgium, as the only viable option.

Both teams have won each of their four games thus far by just a solitary goal and both needed extra-time in the last 16. In short, they don’t pummel the opposition and when you add in the ratcheted up tension and caution that a World Cup quarter-final inevitably brings, we can see this one going the distance.

The good news for you is that ladbrokes have priced the game going to pens at a generous 9/2. Sounds too good to miss to us.