2014 World Cup Free Picks: Germany vs. Algeria

4 p.m., Monday, June 30 – Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Germany is a heavy favorite to begin the elimination rounds, listed as -316 chalk against tournament Cinderella Algeria. The North African nation is +1100 for the win in this match while the draw is priced at +500. The total is listed at 3 goals.

Germany

Efficient and with quality, Germany was very workmen like and took care of business and navigated what could have been a tricky Group G. The group winners blasted Portugal in the opener, got a result against a feisty Ghana bunch and then took what the USA gave them and turned it into three points just the same. Now, for a team that has gotten to the cusp but failed to win each of the past three major tournaments, the expectations are trophy or bust. Nothing short of claiming FIFA World Cup gold is going to be good enough in Brazil.

Algeria

Slotted in their group with the likes of South Korea and Russia as the ‘other’ three teams after favorites Belgium, it wasn’t considered a long shot to advance, however not many people would have fancied Algeria to finish above their more seasoned opponents in Group H. Nonetheless, they came out fighting, scoring first against Belgium, albeit in a loss. They then responded with a 4-2 hammering of South Korea to state their intentions loudly. A comeback draw against Russia was enough to secure passage to the Round of 16.

Match Analysis

Germany is going to find themselves in a similar match here as they did against the USA. Algeria is going to give them possession. They'll have to concede otherwise they’ll be too exposed if trying to make their way forward too often. Germany will have all the chances to score, and it is on them to take these chances and convert. The back line of the Germans has always been considered the weak link of this team. They’ll need to be sure not to get caught complacent or cheating ahead with assisting the attack, which could leak a goal on the counter attack.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Both teams are fit and ready for this Round of 16. The biggest question roster wise will be what Germany does with their XI, as manager Joachim Loew has played with several different midfield tandems in the three group stage matches.

Tony’s Pick

Germany really shouldn’t have trouble winning this match, and I see them actually besting Algeria by two or three goals. The underdogs were successful in a similar role to advance from their group, but this is arguably too tall an order to knock off mighty Germany. 3-0 to Germany.

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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