2014 World Cup Free Picks: Belgium vs. Algeria

12 p.m., Tuesday, June 17 – Estadio Minerao, Belo Horizonte (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Group favorites Belgium are listed as -187 chalk in their World Cup opener. Algeria are sizeable underdogs at +750 while the draw in this match is listed at +333. The total here is 2.5 goals, +115 for the ‘over’ and -135 for the ‘under’.

Belgium

Despite their small footballing nation, Belgium has huge footballing talent. A lot of their top players ply their trade in England’s Premier League, and that will have them prepared after playing against the best players in the world this past club season. Supreme big tournament inexperience, though, is often seen as the chief concern for one of the potential dark horses to uproot several key tournament favorites.

Algeria

This North African side is more than likely the least known commodity of the African teams playing in Brazil. While Ivory Coast or Ghana are catching most of the news, certainly Algeria will be skating under the radar, especially with more formidable opponents like Russia waiting in Belgium’s sights.

Match Analysis

Belgium, to a degree, has a lot to live up to. Granted, they didn't label themselves as a team to look out for this summer, however that is the card they have been dealt in terms of media expectations this summer.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Belgium is already forced to play without Christian Benteke, as one of the team’s best forwards was ruled out after tearing his Achilles prior to the tournament. Belgium’s now go-to forward, Romelu Lukaku, is also struggling with an ankle knock, although he is expected to play.

Tony’s Pick

Favorites for a reason, Belgium will come up with the goods, even if it takes them most of the match to get past some early big stage nerves. They are simply too talented with world-class players not to translate that in their opening match with so much on the line. Algeria will show up, but they can’t match Belgium punch for punch.

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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