2014 World Cup Free Picks: Costa Rica vs. England

12 p.m., Tuesday, June 24 – Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (ESPN2)

Match Betting Lines

Despite being eliminated already, England are -118 favorites to beat a Costa Rica side listed at +375. The draw can be bet at +280 and the total is listed at 2.5 goals.

Costa Rica

Surely the surprise of the tournament so far, Costa Rica should be hailed for their efforts. To beat Uruguay and Italy in consecutive matches on this stage is a feat in of itself. Granted England is already knocked out of the field, but if Costa Rica can score another victory and sweep the group, it will go down as one of the more unexpected and impressive runs in World Cup group stage history. It is sort of a shock to see the line that was released for this match in favor of England.

England

Woeful England. What more needs to be said. England has been underwhelming and underachieving as only they can. They have lacked creativity and really haven’t been ambitious whatsoever with their diverse World Cup roster. Manager Roy Hodgson opted for the safe bet and his older players didn’t come through. Youth sat on the bench instead and I think it directly cost them in this tournament. And it will most assuredly cost him this job.

Match Analysis

Costa Rica obviously has their sights set on the top spot in this group. A draw will secure them of that title. England needed Italy to win against the Central Americans just to have a chance at advancement. Now it will be interesting to see both the English’s line-up and the motivation that this squad come onto the pitch within this match.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

I suspect England will give a run to its young players with nothing to play for. Costa Rica should field its starting XI to face them.

Josh’s Pick

If you aren’t betting on Costa Rica here then you obviously didn’t watch their first two wins. Plus, if England couldn’t perform when it mattered, how are they going to fare when it doesn’t? Sure the youngsters could leave the team with a positive result, but it seems that things going in favor of England aren’t likely to happen. I say a 1-0 win for Costa Rica to claim the top spot.

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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