2014 World Cup Free Picks: Portugal vs. Ghana

12 p.m., Thursday, June 26 – Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia (ESPN2)

Match Betting Lines

Portugal are slight favorites listed at +130 while Ghana are priced at +180 in this match. Three-way betting has the draw listed at +285 with the total being listed at 3 goals.

Portugal

The last-gasp goal scored by forward Varela has seemingly denied, for now, the Portuguese an exit at this World Cup. Advancement still doesn’t seem plausible, however their draw last match has given them a fighter’s shot to claim one of the two Group G spots. Cristiano Ronaldo, regardless of his injury, has been basically missing in action for his team in Brazil. You can validate him not being 100 percent due to a nagging leg issue, however that is certainly playing a factor for Portugal and their diminishing odds of making the Round of 16.

Ghana

Ghana bounced back strong to earn a crucial point against Germany in what was one of the matches of the tournament thus far. They matched wits with the Germans in attack and showed they can play at any style on the big stage. Ghana now needs to beat Portugal and have the USA lose to Germany to have any chance of advancement to the knockout stages. Goal difference is likely to be a factor as well so scoring just one may not be in Ghana’s best interest just the same. Look for Ghana to come out focused with that as the goal to be achieved.

Match Analysis

Both teams need three points. Anything else is useless. That is going to provide for an exciting brand of football from two desperate teams. Even a 1-0 win doesn’t really help here. Both Portugal and Ghana need goals, so look for both to be up the pitch and attacking every chance both teams get.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has a suspension for his two yellow cards in previous matches and thus is ruled out for this match.

Guy’s Pick

Portugal is an interesting proposition when asked to come out of their semi-defensive mindset. They are a counter attacking team, but it will be fun to watch them play with multiple goals on their mind. I don’t think, however, they play best that way, and I see them struggling to match Ghana in attack. 3-1 for the Africans in this one.

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 Guy Bruhn