Austria have won only two of 17 previous matches against South American opponents
Jordan registered 11 shots with four on target in their opening game, the same as Austria
Algeria had more touches in their opponents’ penalty area than Argentina
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Argentina will be looking to earn Lionel Messi a day off when they face Austria as another win would seal the group and allow Lionel Scaloni to rotate against Jordan.
The Asian minnows showed they are not just at the World Cup to make up the numbers in their 3-1 defeat to Ralf Rangnick’s side and can make it uncomfortable for Algeria, who have mounting pressure on their shoulders.
Here are the best bets for the middle set of Group J games.
Best Bets
Argentina vs Austria (Monday, 6pm)
Argentina’s title defence began in emphatic fashion as Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a hat‑trick in a commanding 3‑0 win over Algeria.
It was the South Americans’ eighth straight victory, and they have now scored 24 goals across that run. Messi’s treble brought him level with Miroslav Klose as the joint‑top scorer in World Cup history — and he looks primed to take that record outright.
Austria, meanwhile, impressed in their 3‑1 win over Jordan. They have now scored in 11 of their last 12 matches, and Ralf Rangnick’s side carry enough attacking threat to trouble most opponents. Nevertheless, keeping Argentina out is another matter entirely.
With Messi in irresistible form and Argentina’s supporting cast clicking, La Albiceleste should have too much quality.
Yet Austria’s ability to create chances — and Argentina’s occasional lapses when games become stretched — make the Win & BTTS angle appealing.
Score prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria
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Jordan vs Algeria (Tuesday, 4am)
Neither Jordan nor Algeria can afford another slip in Santa Clara. Both were beaten in their openers — Jordan 3‑1 by Austria, Algeria 3‑0 by Argentina — and another defeat would almost certainly end their tournament.
Jordan showed more than expected against Austria, registering 11 shots (the same as their opponents) and scoring through Ali Olwan. But glaring defensive issues remain as they have conceded 13 goals in their last five matches, and their compact structure tends to unravel under sustained pressure.
Algeria, despite the scoreline, were not without positives against Argentina. They actually had more touches in the opposition box than the world champions and created several promising moments.
Their pre‑tournament form was excellent too, including a 7‑0 win over Guatemala and clean sheets against both the Netherlands and Uruguay.
With both sides needing to attack — and Algeria likely chasing goals to repair their goal difference — this match should open up quickly. Jordan can contribute, but Algeria’s superior firepower gives them the edge.
Score prediction: Jordan 1-2 Algeria
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