2014 World Cup Free Picks: Italy vs. Costa Rica

12 p.m., Friday, June 20 – Arena Pernambuco, Recife (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Italy, now group favorites, are -171 while Costa Rica is +600 in a match between the two winners from the first wave of matches. The draw is set at +320 and the total is listed at 2.5 goals.

Italy

Italy finds ways to play well in major tournaments. Well, unless you count the group stage exit in the 2010 World Cup. They are on the right track for atonement for that, however. A win over England late and Italia are now consensus favorites to win the group.

Costa Rica

Not only did the Los Ticos beat Uruguay, but also they completely took the game to their opponents and handled them in the second half of that match. Maybe a bit too ambitious to expect another victory, so I am sure Costa Rica will settle for a point and the draw.

Match Analysis

Italy will dominate the midfield with Andrea Pirlo and his brilliant maestro playmaking. Costa Rica should do well to counter attack if they can use their wings to widen the field.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Gigi Buffon did not play between the posts against England, and his status is still questionable to suit up here for the Azzurri.

Tony’s Pick

Italy looked really good against England, even better than perhaps I imagined they would play. I see this Italian outfit being good enough for another three points over Costa Rica. The underdogs will put up a valiant effort, however they aren’t consistent enough to beat another Top 10 team in the world in consecutive matches.

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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