France vs. Argentina Betting Odds Preview, World Cup 2018 Prediction, Analysis

A pair of previous World Cup champions will clash when the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup gets underway on Saturday as France takes on Argentina in a round-of-16 matchup at Kazan Arena.

France cruised undefeated through the group stage, finishing atop the Group C table with a 2-1-0 win-draw-loss record. It proved to be a tougher road for Argentina, which needed a late goal in a narrow 2-1 victory over Nigeria to avoid elimination and finish second on the Group D table with a middling 1-1-1 record.

World Cup betting line: France opened as a +137 favorite (wager $100 to win $137); the total is at two goals, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

World Cup betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 2.2-1.1, France (2018 World Cup picks on every game)

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France vs. Argentina World Cup matchup analysis

Following a dominating performance in group-stage action, Les Bleus have now advanced to the knockout stage in consecutive editions of the World Cup for the first time since claiming their lone World Cup title in 1998. A stifling defense limited opponents to one goal and four total shots on target over their three group-stage outings.

France is unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions entering Saturday's contest and is also undefeated in four round-of-16 appearances since 1986. However, Les Bleus have struggled at times in recent matches against South American squads, with last week's 1-0 victory over Peru as -170 chalk marking just their second victory in their past 10 dates with CONMEBOL opponents across all competitions.

The French have also enjoyed no success in previous meetings with Argentina, scoring just once in four losses, including World Cup group-stage defeats in 1930 and 1978. However, the Albiceleste have struggled since joining the favorites on the pre-tournament World Cup championship odds, allowing 15 goals during a 3-1-3 run across all competitions, including a stunning 3-0 loss to Croatia as +105 favorites on June 21.

All 2018 World Cup odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.