2014 World Cup Free Picks: Australia vs. Spain

12 p.m., Monday, June 23 – Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Spain remains solid favorites at -214 despite having been eliminated from the World Cup with this match still yet to be played. Australia is +800 here with the draw being listed at +425. The total is 2.5 goals.

Australia

For as much as everyone, including myself, labeled the Aussies the whipping boys of Group B, they have impressed against superior competition. Nothing on the line except the chance to further beat up the bruised ego of Spain. Where will Australia get their playmaking from with Tim Cahill not playing? The rest of the team has really lacked creativity, so let’s see how this group comes out to play.

Spain

The Spanish accomplished the unwanted feat of being the first reigning World Cup champion to be eliminated from the tournament after just two matches. Enough said. Will they look for something positive from this match, or are they already mentally home in Espana? It will be interesting to see the kind of team that is fielded here. I would imagine Del Bosque comes with a brand new line-up as opposed to the group that were beaten each of the last two matches.

Match Analysis

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.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Tim Cahill, Australia’s best player, is out of this match after two yellow cards in the previous two matches.

Tony’s Pick

Spain can gain nothing from this match. But maybe, through the tunnel vision of just this match, that might provide some relief for players who didn’t get a chance to feature yet. Oddly enough, I am going to say 4-1 to Spain.

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.

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