2014 World Cup Free Picks: Colombia vs. Ivory Coast

12 p.m., Thursday, June 19 – Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Colombia is +115 in their second group stage match while the Ivory Coast can be bet at +310 in this fixture. The total is listed at 2.5 goals and the draw is +250.

Colombia

Much was made of Colombia as a weakened group favorite minus their star man Radamel Falcao. Albeit against Greece, the South Americans came good with a strong 3-0 performance. They’ll get a real test against stronger competition with Ivory Coast up next in round robin play.

Ivory Coast

It was a quality comeback victory for Ivory Coast after a slow start against Japan. I wouldn’t be surprised if Didier Drogba starts after helping to inspire the second half result as a substitute against the Japanese.

Match Analysis

While conventional wisdom suggest two teams off wins would settle for a draw and take a safe point, I think both want to put one front through the door as the group winner with a second straight victory. Expect both to attack with that in mind, and I see an entertaining match playing out between these two.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Both teams will likely suit up with the same starting XI after their respective wins.

Tony’s Pick

As much as I think Ivory Coast is going to go for the victory, I see this one finishing as a draw. Both teams will trade punches and score goals, but they will have to settle for sharing the spoils, 2-2 after the full 90.

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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