2014 World Cup Free Picks: Ivory Coast vs. Japan

9 p.m., Saturday, June 14 – Arena Pernambuco, Recife (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

A very evenly matched fixture has Ivory Coast listed at +160 or as a PK at -125. Japan are +190 to win the match and +105 as a PK. The total is set at 2 goals with the ‘over’ being -115 and the ‘under’ at -105

Ivory Coast

The West African nation of Ivory Coast perhaps has had more talented teams at a World Cup, such as the one in 2006. However I see this group as being easier to navigate for them than in previous tournaments. Les Elephants will be a confident bunch and proceed in Group C expecting to win the group with a positive mindset.

Japan

Japan isn’t the fastest team in Brazil nor are they the most talented. But this team plays technically beautiful football. They are really good at what they do and the style in which they attack opponents. That outlook is key, and when they play their game, no opponent wants to be in a dogfight with this resilient bunch.

Match Analysis

This is going to be one of the more entertaining matches of the group stages. I think both teams, despite Colombia being the favorite in Group C, believe they can claim the top spot. They’ll bring that approach into the match, both knowing that three points from this match would be crucial to the cause. Expect both sides to attack early and often in a back-and-forth affair.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Both teams will have their full teams at their disposals to begin their respective World Cup campaigns against one another, thus making for an intriguing clash of styles.

Josh’s Pick

Japan have developed a habit of producing thrilling matches both through their own goals in addition to conceding to opponents. I think Ivory Coast will force a high level of play and make this encounter a very watchable match. I see 2-2 draw or 3-2 thriller as the result.

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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