Free Soccer Picks (Today's Tips, Odds, Predictions)

Japan vs Columbia Group C Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/22/2014

Colombia have shown no signs of letting up, and I see the South Americans continuing their attacking ways to secure maximum points from the group. Japan, needing a win, will indulge them in this style of play just the same. Colombia can potentially take a loss and not have it affect them, however I think they will do everything to at least get a draw here. Japan need all three, so that could wind up leaving them vulnerable at back as they hunt for goals in this crucial match.

Greece vs Ivory Coast Group C Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/22/2014

Greece can potentially advance from this group despite their stagnant play, and with that I see them finally opening things up a bit and going for a win. They simply need it. Their defensive brand of football will only secure them of an early flight home. Ivory Coast will embrace an up-and-down style here, and the heat in the northeast city of Fortaleza will be a big advantage to the African nation.

Italy vs Uruguay Group D Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/22/2014

Whoever wins can guarantee a spot in the next stage of the World Cup. Both teams will be going for three points considering a draw leaves things a bit unclear and unsure of who would benefit from a stalemate. I expect Uruguay to be the aggressor with the likes of Suarez and Cavani up front. Italy will draw its focus on these two and play off the counter, ideally.

Costa Rica vs England Group D Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/22/2014

Costa Rica will have their sights set on the top spot in this group. A draw will secure them of that title. England needed Italy to win against the Central Americans just to have a chance at advancement. Now it will be interesting to see both the English’s line-up and the motivation that this squad come onto the pitch with in this match.

Cameroon vs Brazil Group A Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/21/2014

Something tells me Brazil are going to take their frustrations of that 0-0 draw out on a Cameroon side with nothing to play for. Brazil will not risk a second place spot in the group, so they’ll be all out for a favorable score should goal differential wind up playing a factor.

Netherlands vs Chile Group B Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/21/2014

This match will determine Group B’s winner and second place finisher, as both these teams are through to the Round of 16. Even further, the runner-up will effectively get host Brazil in next round of the World Cup. That is incentive to avoid the runners-up spot.

Australia vs Spain Group B Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/21/2014

This fixture is all about motivation, and conventional wisdom suggests Spain won’t have any. How do they get themselves up for this match? Australia will gladly take a win back home with them as a Brazil souvenir. Australia can attack also knowing there isn’t anything to lose in this match and everyone expects them to lose to a more talented side. Expect a free flowing match with goals.

Croatia vs Mexico Group A Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/21/2014

A draw is enough to see Mexico through, but they must realize that Croatia will be throwing everything at them in attack to thwart any chance of not being one of the two to play in the elimination round. The midfield play of each decides this match. If Luka Modric can continue to orchestrate his Croatian teammates, I think that is the difference maker in this match.

World Cup Betting Trends
by Trevor Whenham - 6/20/2014

With the win by Colombia over Ivory Coast, we have now seen 21 World Cup games, so we are officially a third of the way through the action (there are technically 64 games, but the third-place game is stupid and pointless and I don’t count it). This is a good time, then, to look at what has happened so far and to examine how it compares to what happened in 2010 and 2006. Are there trends that stand out? Or is this just a typical World Cup? Let’s take a look:

United States vs Portugal Group G Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/20/2014

You’d have to think the US will be doing more defending, similar to their match against Ghana. Portugal will be looking for redemption following their 4-0 loss to Germany, and thus an attacking mindset will likely be had from the first kick.

South Korea vs Algeria Group H Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/20/2014

I think we will see a low scoring match with both teams being cautious here. Neither team wants to lose so I wouldn’t be surprised to see both sit back and avoid risks in their own defensive half. With lots on the line, we’ll see who is willing to risk pushing.

Belgium vs Russia Group H Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/20/2014

Belgium will attack. Russia will defend. Look for Fabio Capello’s men to sit back to begin and focus their game plan on keeping Belgium off the board for the first half hour. The counter attack will be key for the Russians here.

2014 World Cup Handicapping: Surprises and Disappointments
by Trevor Whenham - 6/19/2014

We are, as I write this, 20 games into the World Cup. We certainly can’t complain that it hasn’t been entertaining. There have been great games, amazing performances, and more than a couple of truly shocking results. There has also been some money to be made for bettors — and that is never a bad thing. As we sit almost a third of the way through games it’s a good time to look at the biggest betting surprises and disappointments so far and what they could mean going forward:

Nigeria vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/19/2014

Bosnia’s attack will be more prevalent in this match without the ball domination Argentina had against them in the opener. This Nigerian team is a worthy opponents defensively, but I see Bosnia dictating the terms of this match.

Germany vs Ghana Group G Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/19/2014

Germany is a brilliant counter attacking team, and we will see them do that at their best against Ghana, with plenty of chances after Ghana is forward in attack. It'll be interesting to see how Ghana reacts after the loss to the US.

Argentina vs Iran Group F Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/19/2014

Argentina is going to attack relentlessly here, as they know Iran can’t counter them pushing forward. It’s going to be one-way traffic toward the Iran goal for most of the match. So expect this to be a tough game for Iran.

Honduras vs Ecuador Group E Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/18/2014

Ecuador will likely be in attack mode, as they must, in order to get three points they need. Honduras is likely to again play the role of whipping boys, likely again outclassed by the talent on the other side of the pitch.

Switzerland vs France Group E Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/18/2014

France and Switzerland are going to go for the jugular to win the group in this match and I think that plays into the hands of a more talented France outfit. Karim Benzema netted twice in the first match and his confidence will continue to soar atop France’s formation.

Italy vs Costa Rica Group D Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/18/2014

Italy, who are now group favorites, are -171 while the Costa Rica national team are +600 in a match between the two winners from the first wave of matches in this year's World Cup. The draw is set at +320 and the total is listed at 2.5 goals.

Japan vs Greece Group C Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/17/2014

Japan showed potential in defeat, while Greece was very uninspiring in their loss. The middle of the field is where Japan will look to inflict harm in this match. Greece has a size advantage, but they don’t bring a whole lot to the table to sell me on a potential win.