2014 World Cup Free Picks: Mexico vs. Cameroon

12 p.m., Friday, June 13 – Estadio das Dunas, Natal (ESPN2)

Match Betting Lines

Mexico are solid favorites in Group A’s second opening round match at +125. Cameroon is listed at +225 to win the match. The draw is listed at +210 while the total is set at 2 goals, -105 for the ‘over’ and -115 on the ‘under’.

Mexico

So much uncertainty hangs over Mexico entering the World Cup. The team was drastically inconsistent throughout qualifying, even needing a two-legged playoff win over New Zealand to secure a spot into this summer’s tournament. Also, recent friendly matches leading up to the tournament were met with mixed results. Mexico is truly a wild card in Brazil.

Cameroon

Despite Mexico’s struggles, Cameroon is seen as the weakest link in Group A’s foursome. Not much is expected from the African nation, and it would likely be a shock result if they were to advance beyond the group stages. Still, knowing Mexico is lacking confidence, Cameroon should relish the opportunity to begin their tournament with a match they should believe they are capable of winning.

Match Analysis

Mexico can right all the wrongs leading up to the World Cup if they begin this tournament with a win. However you just cannot know what to predict with this team. Two fairly even teams are matched up here, and a moment of individual brilliance is likely to be what would separate them from sharing the spoils of a draw. Look for a cagey match as both will want to avoid a loss.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Mexico’s Luis Montes, a player the team was expected to count on heavily on Brazil, is out of the tournament after a gruesome injury during one of the recent friendly matches just weeks before the 2014 World Cup was set to begin. Losing one of their best playmakers in the middle of the field is a huge loss for Mexico’s attacking capabilities.

Tony’s Pick

It is a hard ask to bet on Mexico knowing the results they have put forward building up to this tournament. That being said, all that matters is how you play when the tournament is live. When it is all said and done, I think a 0-0 or 1-1 draw is the result. I would consider taking Cameroon on the goal line if you can get them at +0.5 goals.

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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