2014 World Cup Free Picks: >Nigeria vs. Argentina

12 p.m., Wednesday, June 25 – Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Argentina is -250 to sweep their group with a win over Nigeria. The African nation is +900 in this match while the draw can be had for +450. The total is listed at 2.5 goals.

Nigeria

Slow and steady wins the race? Well, Nigeria likely isn’t winning the group, but the African champions have methodically done well to put themselves in a great spot to qualify for the knockout round. They’ve yet to allow a goal, first drawing 0-0 with Iran and following up that result with a 1-0 victory over Bosnia. They’ll need to be sharper on defense, however, if they wish to stun the group favorites and take down the top spot of this foursome.

Argentina

The South Americans are on maximum points after two matches, but you wouldn’t know that based on the number of goals scored. Certainly no style points here. But maybe that is what Argentina needs. In each of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups they dominated group play only to flake out early in the knockout stages, so perhaps these humbling victories are a way to keep this squad focused in order to not get too much confidence about their play.

Match Analysis

Argentina is going to look for goals. They are brilliant about being an attacking unit in complete ‘go forward’ mode yet never overextending themselves. And while all the talk on this team coming in was for their brilliant attacking footballers, it has been the defense and goalkeeping that has shined brightest so far. Nigeria, too, has been stingy on defense, so I would not be shocked to see another limited effort from Argentina against the African defense. Argentina will maintain the bulk of possession, so again the ball is in their court to convert the chances they have missed too often already in group play.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Neither team has been hampered by injuries or suspension so expect first class line-ups from each in this clash for the top spot in the group.

Tony’s Pick

Argentina has been clutch by finding ways to win without playing their best. And that means one thing: their best is yet to come. I don’t think we see a brilliant Argentina performance until they meet another top team, but again they do enough to produce three points. Argentina gets another goal from Lionel Messi as well as a second from Sergio Aguero. They best Nigeria 2-0.

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.

Read more articles by Tony Sink