2014 World Cup Free Picks: Netherlands vs. Costa Rica

4 p.m., Saturday, July 5 - Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Netherlands are -187 as favorites to reach the 2014 World Cup semifinals. Costa Rica are +650 underdogs in this match to keep their dream tournament going. The draw is priced at +350 and the total is set at 2.5 goals.

Netherlands

Left for dead with under ten minutes of play against Mexico, the Dutch sprang to life with two goals in a five-minute span to shock Mexico and book a spot in the quarterfinals. Holland made it count when it mattered most, and the team continues to produce with its best players. Wesley Sneijder had a wonder strike off a deflection from a corner to level play at 1-1 in the 88^th minute. Then in added time Arjen Robben earned a penalty to essentially ruin the Mexicans. To find a way to win this match was impressive and surely adds further to the confidence the Dutch will compete in their next match.

Costa Rica

Another team that looked dead in the water, albeit in different circumstances. Costa Rica looked ready to book their place in the quarters, just like Mexico. But, playing a man down, saw Greece score an injury time goal to shock Cinderella and force extra time. It looked certain the overwhelmed Central Americans would easily concede a second and give way to tough luck. But with unexpected moxy and grit, Costa Rica grinded their way on defense to force penalties and find a way to advance, scoring on all five spot kicks. Impressive indeed. Now, despite looking like they will have no energy left, Costa Rica will continue their magical run in a date with the Netherlands.

Match Analysis

Netherlands will need to take the game to Costa Rica, who played an extra 30 minutes in the heat and looked to have drained themselves as they did everything in their power to advance. An up-tempo match favors the Dutch, and they'd be smart to push forward as frequently as they can to put the underdogs on the heels for much of this match.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Costa Rican defender Oscar Duarte, who was sent off with two yellow cards against Greece, is suspended for this match against Holland. Despite that change, expect the same line-ups for both teams in this quarterfinal tie.

Josh's Pick

I look for Holland to be the team more likely to respond to new life. Costa Rica was oh so resilient, however I can't see them recovering to have enough for this match to beat a really good Netherlands team. 2-0 to the Dutch as they book a spot in the semifinals.

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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