2014 World Cup Free Picks: Argentina vs. Belgium

12 p.m., Saturday, July 5 - Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (ABC)

Match Betting Lines

Argentina are seen as favorites in this mouthwatering quarterfinal tie at +120. Belgium are +300 to win while the draw is listed at +240. The total for this match is 2.5 goals.

Argentina

It continues to be the case that Argentina does just enough to get by its opponents. Survive and advance at this point, that is the name of the game in the elimination rounds. It was another timely goal, this time by Angel Di Maria via Lionel Messi in the 118th minute of extra time to send the Swiss out of the World Cup. No way that overall performance, though, is good enough when they face a much more capable side in Belgium. The Europeans can match Argentina for talent at every position, and actually on paper might have more individual talent to spare. Which Messi will show up?

Belgium

The tournament dark horse needed extra time themselves to shake free from their Round of 16 match-up against the United States. Two goals saw off the Americans to book a quarterfinal spot here against their South American opponents. The story is similar for Belgium, as an extremely talented side have yet to hit their top gear, and maybe it might have to take another brilliantly talented team to bring it out of them. One thing is for sure, however, a slow start cannot happen if Belgium wants to avoid chasing the match against Argentina and a dangerous Lionel Messi.

Match Analysis

I expect both teams to take the games to each other in true attacking fashion. Each unit is best when going forward, and so the big difference in this one will be how they react to one another when on their back heels defending the other's attack. Belgium has a surer defense, however their inexperience is a chief concern in such a high profile match.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Yellow card suspensions are reset for the quarterfinal round. Both teams will have full starting XIs for this wonderful match-up at the World Cup. Sergio Aguero is again expected to miss out due to his injury that ruled him out against Switzerland.

Josh's Pick

Argentina, if they find their stride early, will connect with a heavy punch to rattle the inexperience of the Belgians. The longer this one stays even, the more hope Belgium have of progressing. I give the slightest edge to Argentina but their defense worries me. 1-1 through the normal 90 minutes, and a Messi goal wins it in extra time.

Doc's Sports has full coverage of the 2014 World Cup and more articles throughout this summer's major soccer tournament. Strike Point Sports is one of the top soccer handicappers with their success on the big tournament stage. From the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, SPS earned $100 clients over $8,200 in profit from these four major events. This summer's World Cup is going to be another moneymaking opportunity, and they are looking forward to their soccer selections and another winning tournament.

Read more articles by Josh Schonwald