2014 World Cup Free Picks: Germany vs. Portugal

12 p.m., Monday, June 16 – Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Germany is listed as -125 chalk while Portugal are modest underdogs at +280. The draw in this match is +240 while the total is 2.5 goals, +115 for the ‘over’ and -135 for the ‘under’.

Germany

Germany is one of the best soccer nations in the world. They have a resume to back that up, however in recent tournaments they’ve come up just short on several occasions. Now, can they take the next and final step and lift the trophy? Talent is never an issue. Mainly, it’s luck, or whether they run into a hot team. Head coach Joachim Loew’s job is likely on the line based on their results in Brazil.

Portugal

A one-man team? Well, that would be sort of disrespectful to the rest of team Portugal, but you wouldn’t be entirely wrong to suggest that notion either. Think the Cleveland Cavs with LeBron James if you want a quick summary of Portugal and their great superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Match Analysis

These two played in the group stages at Euro 2012 with Germany winning a cagey 1-0 match. I think a similar result will be in order. The Germans have more balance and depth, but no one can account for the brilliance of Mr. Ronaldo. Germany will attack through the middle of the field while the Portuguese do the same out wide on the flanks.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Germany was dealt a rough outcome when winger Marco Reus was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury. Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil will need to raise their respective games that much more with Reus’ absence.

Josh’s Pick

I like Germany in this tournament. Portugal can strike like lightning with Ronaldo’s special abilities, but the midfield for the Germans is too strong. Germany gets three points in the opener.

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 Josh Schonwald