2014 World Cup Free Picks: Iran vs. Nigeria

3 p.m., Monday, June 16 – Arena da Baixada, Curitiba (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

World Cup outsiders Iran are +280 in their first group play match. Nigeria are +125 for the three points. The draw can be had at +220. The total is 2 goals, EVEN for the ‘over’ and -120 for the ‘under’.

Iran

Iran is seen as the weakest team in the field. Essentially unknown for the most part in terms of their overall play, however the team is led by experience Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz.

Nigeria

Africa’s reigning Cup of Nations champion will consider themselves as strong favorites to advance along with Argentina in the group. The East African nation has plenty of quality players such as Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, Liverpool’s Victor Moses and Stoke City’s Peter Odemwingie.

Match Analysis

Knowing that Argentina is pretty much a lock to win the group, both teams will come out defensive-minded, not wanting to risk allowing an early goal that could leave them with a loss after one match. Both would settle for a draw, but Nigeria will be thinking about three points as well once the second half gets underway.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Both teams are pretty much full strength entering the World Cup.

Guy’s Pick

Iran is going to struggle to earn a result in any of their three group play matches. Nigeria is a physically strong team, and Iran will find that difficult to defend. Nigeria breaks through late with a key goal and the victory.

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