2014 World Cup Free Picks: Argentina vs. Bosnia Herzegovina

6 p.m., Sunday, June 15 – Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Argentina is listed at -214 to begin World Cup play. Bosnia has a big +850 price on them against the Group F favorites. The draw is listed at +375. The total is 2.5 goals, -115 for the ‘over’ and -105 on the ‘under’.

Argentina

One of the favorites at the tournament open up their World Cup in arguably the most famous soccer stadium in the world: the Maracana in Rio. Argentina is absolutely lethal in attack, as no team does it better. Lionel Messi. Sergio Aguero. Gonzalo Higuain. Angel Di Maria. Ezequiel Lavezzi. Enough said. It is World Cup Final or bust as they set out to spoil rival Brazil’s home show.

Bosnia Herzegovina

World Cup debutant Bosnia will not be happy simply to be here among the rest of the field. What they lack in experience they make up for in attack-minded football and the overall positivity in which this team plays with consistently. Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko leads the line up top and will be a menacing threat throughout the tournament.

Match Analysis

Argentina wants a fast tempo.  They will run as if it were an up-and-down basketball game. Their strength is going forward, so expect to see the majority of play in the Bosnia half of the pitch. The underdogs won’t back down, however. There won’t be any slowing Argentina down during the group stages based on how dominant they are at asserting their style of play, so it’s a matter of whom, if any, can best them at their game.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

A dominant Argentina side comes into the World Cup fully healthy, which is a dangerous proposition for any others who stand in their way. Bosnia is fit as well for the start of the tournament.

Guy’s Pick

Argentina won’t have a problem dispatching a feisty Bosnia side that will play freely and open. However there isn’t a team in Group F that can hang with Argentina for more than a half. It’s really as simple as one, two and three wins for the South Americans.

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 Guy Bruhn