2014 World Cup Free Picks: South Korea vs. Belgium

4 p.m., Thursday, June 26 – Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Favorites Belgium are -130 as they look to wrap up the group as winners from the F foursome. South Korea are +350 in this match with the draw being listed at +275. The total here is 2.5 goals.

South Korea

South Korea put together arguably the worst performance of the tournament in the team’s 4-2 loss to Algeria. They were hopeless in defense and really lacked any type of shape as a unit or focus to prevent goal-scoring opportunities from the North Africans. Now they are faced with the unenviable task of beating Belgium just to have a chance to get the runners-up spot in the group.

Belgium

Six points is six points, but Belgium has not been impressive so far. All three of their goals thus far have been by substitutes, which means the starting XI have failed to make any real impact, notably in the first half of both matches. Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s starlet and one of the best young players in the world, has been completely dull for the most part in Brazil. He has not stepped his game up to match the bright lights, and partially his lack of production is a big reason Belgium has lacked the type of punch people though they’d be good for early on against a very kind group draw.

Match Analysis

Belgium has already secured a spot in the Round of 16, and now they will look to wrap up the top spot in the group. Look for a more convincing performance from them this time around. They will want some momentum before the more tense stages of the tournament, and I don’t see South Korea keeping them from gaining just that.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Both teams have avoided suspensions and injuries. Look for Belgium and South Korea to keep similar line-ups for this match barring tactical changes.

Josh’s Pick

South Korea has been too poor to suggest they can upset Belgium here. Their attack going forward is stagnant and the defense isn’t doing its job. Plus, with the favorites needing a strong showing, they won’t go light on their opponents today either. Belgium will have their best showing of the group stages. 2-0 to the favorites here.

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 Josh Schonwald