Group stage·17 June

The model's read

Home
62%
Draw
22%
Away
16%
ArgentinaExpected goalsAlgeria
1.94 xG0.80 xG
Argentina Elo
1890
Algeria Elo
1690
Over 2.5
50%
BTTS
44%

Model vs market

How the model's probabilities line up against the bookmaker's.

ModelFair oddsPinnacleMarketModel − mkt
Home62.1%1.611.4168.3%-6.2
Draw21.6%4.624.5721.1%+0.6
Away16.2%6.179.0710.6%+5.6
Over 2.550.1%2.001.9749.4%+0.7
Under 2.549.9%2.001.9250.6%-0.7

Market probabilities are Pinnacle prices with the bookmaker margin removed. BTTS is model-only — no market shown.

Model favours Argentina (62%).

Match preview

Argentina enter as clear favourites against Algeria in this World Cup opener. The model's strength ratings place the South Americans comfortably ahead, suggesting they should control possession and territory throughout. Algeria will need to be disciplined defensively and hunt for opportunities on the counter, but Argentina's superiority in personnel and tactical depth should be decisive. The hosts' experience at recent tournaments gives them an edge, though Algeria's defensive organisation could make this competitive in patches.

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