2014 World Cup Free Picks: Brazil vs. Chile

12 p.m., Saturday, June 28 – Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (ABC)

Match Betting Lines

The Round of 16 begins with host Brazil being favored at -175 against fellow South Americans Chile. The underdogs are priced at +450 while the draw can be bet at +330. The total is listed at 2.5 goals.

Brazil

Far from flawless, the weight of the world sitting atop Brazil’s shoulders surely had some kind of effect on a somewhat sluggish group stage effort. Granted it was enough for the hosts to win their group, but from this point on in the tournament, no weakened teams are left. Brazil is going to need their ‘A’ game against a Chile side that will be ready to play.  Neymar scoring two goals in the team’s last match against Cameroon has confirmed their brightest star is ready to carry the load. The question is, however, if Neymar has an off game, who will be ready to pick up the slack and help carry the load for team Brazil? A leading second man has so far not existed for Brazil at the World Cup.

Chile

Team Chile is as dangerous an underdog as we have left in the field. They play well minus the spotlight, and that is sure to be the case when they clash with tournament favorites Brazil in Belo Horizonte. Chile plays great counter attacking football, so while the large amount of possession will be in favor of Brazil, this Chilean outfit is going to pick their spots to strike when Brazil perhaps gets out of place too far up the field attacking themselves.

Match Analysis

The pressure remains on Brazil. That much hasn’t changed. The team’s 4-1 win over Cameroon did serve as a really strong note in which to wrap up the group as top finishers. They’ll take that positive performance with them. Brazil’s defense will be huge here. The Brazilian wing backs love scooting up the field to assist in the attack out wide, but how well will they transition back to defend when Chile isn’t set to push right back at them?

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Both teams are raring to go and will have a full starting XI to face one another. Brazilian Hulk has recovered from his previous injury concern, as he played last match against Cameroon.

Josh’s Pick

Brazil are sizeable favorites respective to how lethal Chile have shown themselves to be at times in the group stage. The host needs to score first otherwise the pressure might be too much to cope with in hopes of turning the score line around. I think 2-1 Brazil is the likeliest of outcomes, but I genuinely think Chile has a fair chance to pull the upset, perhaps 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