2014 World Cup Free Picks: France vs. Nigeria

12 p.m., Monday, June 30 – Estadio Nacional, Brasilia (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

The French are -187 favorites in their Round of 16 tie against Nigeria. The African nation is +664 to win while the draw can be bet at +340. The total for this match is listed at 2.5 goals.

France

The French have quickly gone from an outsider in this summer’s tournament to perhaps a chic pick to perhaps be considered the dark horse of the remaining 16. The team is playing as one, a long cry from where the national squad was four years ago with all the drama in South Africa. Everyone knows there is talent for days in this team, and it seems it is finally being utilized best and getting the most out of them from manager Didier Deschamps.

Nigeria

At the start of the 2014 World Cup, not many really gave Nigeria much consideration. Ivory Coast and Ghana were seen as the teams most likely to represent their continent beyond the group stages. However it is Nigeria who actually came to Brazil as champions of Africa. They gave Argentina their most difficult match of the group round, and while they are heavy underdogs to France in this Last 16 encounter, they’ll bring a confidence to the table towards being able to play with anyone.

Match Analysis

France’s balance across the board gives them such an advantage, not just in this match but generally speaking when matching up with teams in Brazil. They don’t rely on any one player such as a Messi or Neymar. Karim Benzema has really flourished in this tournament atop the formation, and getting him the ball and many chances to score is at the top of the priority list for Les Bleus. A dominant midfield game by the likes of Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi will be another major plus for the favorites.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Nigeria midfielder Michael Babatunde broke his hand after being hit by a shot from a fellow teammate. He is expected to miss this match against France.

Guy's Pick

The French have been on a mission from the first kick of the ball in Brazil to right the wrongs of South Africa in 2010. They were especially impressive in their group, winning the quartet with relative ease. You give them a definite edge and advantage here, and they’ll see themselves through to the quarterfinals with a victory over Nigeria, 3-1.

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 Guy Bruhn