2014 World Cup Free Picks: Italy vs. Uruguay

12 p.m., Tuesday, June 24 – Estadio das Dunas, Natal (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Italy are +175 for this match while Uruguay are +210. The draw can be bet at +229 while the total is set at 2.5 goals.

Italy

My how much 90 minutes can change things. The Italians were impressive in their opening win against England, however their loss to Costa Rica now leaves questions about whether Italy can even get out of the group. The Central Americans humbled a surely confident Italian side, and now they will be challenged again by Uruguay as they face an equally confident bunch, including striker Luis Suarez.

Uruguay

Similar to the above, look how Uruguay bounced back from their first match to switch the side’s momentum. Things looked a bit hopeless minus Suarez in the team’s first match, but with him in the line-up the team is a completely different unit. Uruguay will again rely on their main man to help get them to the elimination round, however this should be their toughest task of the three group matches considering the defensive capabilities that Italy can boast.

Match Analysis

Whoever wins can guarantee a spot in the next stage of the World Cup. Both teams will be going for three points considering a draw leaves things a bit unclear and unsure of who would benefit from a stalemate. I expect Uruguay to be the aggressor with the likes of Suarez and Cavani up front. Italy will draw its focus on these two and play off the counter, ideally.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

With Suarez seemingly now fit, he’ll be up front again to start the match alongside Cavani in attack. Italy is likely to counter with a similar line-up to their first two matches.

Guy’s Pick

Both teams gave us positive and negative performances to consider. The deciding factor, if you will, was that in Uruguay’s loss, the team’s best player in Luis Suarez didn’t play. Italy had every chance to essentially wrap up the group but were upset by Costa Rica. I think that winds up costing them, as Uruguay will use their new life to secure a spot in the knockout stages. 2-1 victory for the South Americans.

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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