2014 World Cup Free Picks: Japan vs. Colombia

4 p.m., Tuesday, June 24 – Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Top seed Colombia are +145 to finish their group with three wins from as many matches. Japan are +225 as they look still for their first victory. The draw in this one is priced at +250 and the total is 2.5 goals.

Japan

The Japanese are going to rue the day they didn’t score against Greece playing up a man for over nearly 50 minutes. Japan realistically needed a win in their last match, and that ultimately is going to burn them via an early exit from this tournament. Minus their early Honda goal against the Ivory Coast, Japan has been completely disappointing considering their high-tempo style of play and overall positive brand of football they bring to the table.

Colombia

How good would this team be if they had their best player in striker Radamel Falcao? Still, they made quick work to make that issue a non-story and re-establish themselves as a tournament dark horse. Colombia is certainly a team to fear come the knockout stages, and if you’re looking ahead they will likely be paired against Uruguay or Italy in a potentially intriguing Round of 16 match-up.

Match Analysis

Colombia has shown no signs of letting up, and I see the South Americans continuing their attacking ways to secure maximum points from the group. Japan, needing a win, will indulge them in this style of play just the same. Colombia can potentially take a loss and not have it affect them, however I think they will do everything to at least get a draw here. Japan needs all three, so that could wind up leaving them vulnerable at back as they hunt for goals in this crucial match.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Don’t be surprised if Colombia rests a key starter or two. Neither team has any major injuries, however Colombia has the luxury of playing a few new players here.

Josh’s Pick

Japan will play their best match of the group stages, but I do not see it being enough. Colombia has been one of the top three or four most impressive teams so far in this tournament, and that strong play continues here against the Japanese. This will wind up being a high scoring affair with maybe as many as four or five goals. Expect a pace similar to when Colombia played Ivory Coast. 3-1 winners to Colombia.

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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