Big Saturday Multiple: Belgium value to scalp stalling Argentina

If Belgium can keep Messi and co at bay, then they could nick this one

Jonno Turner weighs in with some red hot World Cup action - oh, and one from the Swedish Allsvenskan...

We're off to Brazil for our first selection of this three team multiple, where Argentina line up against Belgium in their World Cup Quarter Final early kick-off.

It took an extra time winner from the largely absent Angel di Maria to secure Alex Sabella's side a place in this round of the competition in Tuesday's encounter with Switzerland - and despite boasting the most talented strike force in the whole competition, and the best player in the world, something has not looked right with Argentina.

Yes, they've won their opening four outings - but they have not shown the dominance expected of them - and have too often needed the Messi factor to lift them out of the mire.

Of course, the one-man wonder show has been more than willing to help when called upon, but I can't help but feel that at some point, Argentina will rue their reliance on the diminutive wizard.

Two goals shipped against a fairly average Nigeria side, laboured 1-0 wins over Iran and the Swiss - at the moment, Argentina are coasting a little, and there is a sense that a good side could well find joy against them.

And Belgium are certainly a good side. Marc Wilmots has seen the Rode Duivels have good success so far this tournament, and with Romelu Lukaku having finally broken his World Cup duck, will be confident that his side can be a real thorn in the side of the Argies.

Having kept clean sheets against Russia and South Korea, and held off a rampaging USA side too, the Lowlands nation will be keen to flex their defensive muscle against the holy trinity of Messi, Higuain and, erm, Franco di Santo.

And having notched at least one in each of their last nine outings, they will be confident that if they can hold out their guests, they'll be able to nick one at the other end.

Argentina are priced favourites for this encounter, and on paper I can't argue that, but in my opinion Belgium should be somewhat shorter than they are - and for that reason I'm backing the Europeans.

Bet 1: Belgium (AWAY) @ 4.3100/30

Staying in South America now, as the Netherlands face Costa Rica at 9pm.

The Oranje burst to life in this competition with a five goal thrashing of world champions Spain, and despite winning all of their subsequent outings, their star has dimmed a little.

Indeed, it was only via two late goals and a dodgy penalty claim that Louis Van Gaal's charges negotiated Mexico in the last round on Sunday, and they will be keen to up their game here - with glory in sight.

A dozen goals notched in their opening four fixtures of this tournament suggests that the Dutch have no problems going forward, but at the other end it's a different story - and four goals shipped indicates that their backline is always likely to collapse at some point.

Just a single clean sheet outside of their own country since October last year will have Costa Rica licking their lips in anticipation of this tie, and the Europeans will need to be on guard if they are to stop the surprise package of this year's trophy.

Three wins and a draw for Jorge Pinto's side has seen them this far, and a series of well-drilled and tight performances have led them to scalp Italy, Uruguay and keep England to a 0-0 stalemate.

Two clean sheets from their opening four games makes it clear that the Central Americans rely heavily on their solid defensive ability to grind out results, and tonight will be no different.

But they have looked a little short of ideas at times in their last three games, and, should, as I expect, Holland's superior attacking prowess give them an early lead, I reckon they could struggle to cope with their opponents.

I just feel that this could be one game too far for the Costa Ricans, who will bow out with heads held high and millions of new fans across the globe.

Bet 2: Netherlands (HOME) @ 1.538/15

Switching our attentions to the Swedish Allsvenskan now, where fifth placed Hacken travel to face Gefle, keen to pile more punishment on the hosts.

Peter Gerhardsson's visitors line up for this clash unbeaten in three, and that will give them confidence as they look to move even further up the top tier.

In fact, just a single loss from nine league outings underlines just how difficult the Rambergsvallen side are to get behind - and 21 goals notched in that time suggests that their attacking talent should see them clear in this one.

Hosts Gefle currently sit languishing in 14th place in the table, level on points with the relegation zone, and will be desperate to take maximum points with home advantage in order to climb closer to safety.

But no wins in eight indicates that the home side are at a real low ebb currently, and they have only managed one victory from 10 in front of their own fans too, a record which suggests that the Stromvallen could be as much a hinderance as a help.

Hacken are unbeaten in seven meetings with their hosts, and I can't see this one going any other way than an away win.

Bet 3: Hacken (AWAY) @ 2.05n/a

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