2014 World Cup Free Picks: Argentina vs. Switzerland

12 p.m., Tuesday, July 1 – Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Argentina is -187 to win their Round of 16 tie with Switzerland. As underdogs the Swiss are priced at +650. The draw can be bet at +350 while the total for this match is 2.5 goals.

Argentina

It wasn’t in overwhelming fashion, but Argentina managed to sweep aside their group and take maximum points in route to a winning start to the World Cup. Captain and main man Lionel Messi has taken over the tournament and truly put the team on his back while the rest of Argentina has struggled to a degree. Two of Argentina’s wins came via a Messi late strike to clinch victory. And while the South Americans may be able to get away with Messi carrying the load for another round or so, others might think about contributing before too long if they want to assure themselves of playing into the semis and potentially the World Cup Final on July 13.

Switzerland

Outside of their 5-2 thrashing by France, Switzerland has held its own quite well in this tournament. Granted their two victories came against teams far less talented compared to that of Argentina, however wins are not easy to come by on this stage. Just as England, Italy, Spain and Portugal, four teams ranked higher than the Swiss prior to the start of the tournament. A big task is ahead of the European nation if they hope to book a spot beyond this first stage of the knockout round.

Match Analysis

Stop Lionel Messi – that’s the unenviable task the Swiss have here. They have seen that none of his teammates have really made a big splash in Brazil. And while Argentina is so gifted that any one player could spring up with supplemental help, the match likely rests on the individual brilliance of Barcelona’s Messi. Switzerland has been very spotty in defense, so the team’s midfield play will have to shine if they have hopes to competing with the big boys in this one.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Forward Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for this match. The Manchester City striker has done little to nothing in this tournament, but that likely can be attributed to him not being 100 percent fit. PSG’s Ezequiel Lavezzi should likely be given the start, and his play could be a real wild card for Argentina.

Guy’s Pick

Argentina should manage just fine to get past Switzerland. However the price is a bit steep considering Argentina haven’t dominated in any one match thus far. Consider a wager on the ‘over’ to put your money on a more valued option.

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