2014 World Cup Free Picks: Brazil vs. Croatia

4 p.m., Thursday, June 12 – Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Brazil are heavy favorites in the World Cup opener at -333. Alternatively, you can bet Brazil on the goal line spread of -1.5 (EVEN). Croatia are sizeable underdogs at +900 and the draw can be had for +400. The total listed for this match is 2.5 (-110), both on the ‘over’ and ‘under’.

Brazil

The host begins this summer’s month long tournament with high expectations, as Brazil are consensus favorites to win their sixth World Cup trophy. The perfect balance of youth and experience make up the current national team, and all appears to be in sync in order to live up to the lofty goals set by the media and fans alike. Brazil will surely be looking for an ideal start to their campaign by setting the bar high right away. Nothing less than a victory and three points is expected.

Croatia

With absolutely no pressure in this match against Brazil, Croatia most definitely can begin their World Cup with a free flowing outlook and attempt to play the role of spoiler. Assume they would be quite happy with a draw, knowing that a point here against Group A’s top team would mean their other two group matches would look far more doable towards a spot in the knockout stages. Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is the man that stirs the drink for team Croatia.

Match Analysis

Croatia won’t lack confidence in this match. They’ll believe something can be taken from this game. However Brazil does have far too much pace and explosive playmaking, which means at any moment the favorite can strike on the counter attack or in a one-on-one situation on the ball. Look for Brazil to set the pace of this match and Croatia to sit back while they look for spots to take their chances.

Key Player News

Croatian forward and top scorer Mario Mandzukic is suspended for the match due to picking up a red card in his team’s playoff second leg win against Iceland that secured a spot in the World Cup.

Match Pick

You’d be hard pressed not to chalk this one up to the favorites. That being said, I don’t think it will be a one-sided victory. I do see Croatia getting a goal, but Brazil will be good enough for the three points, 2-1 to the host.

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 Tony Sink