2014 World Cup Free Picks: Spain vs. Netherlands

3 p.m., Friday, June 13 – Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (ESPN)

Match Betting Lines

Spain are favorites in Group B and begin their World Cup as -120 chalk. Netherlands are dogged at +350 to begin their group play schedule. The draw is listed at +225. The total for this match is 2 goals, -120 for the ‘over’ and EVEN for the ‘under.

Spain

In a rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final, reigning champion Spain gets a chance to inflict more big stage damage to Holland, this time in group play. Most think the Spanish champs are past their prime, and to a degree you can’t necessarily disagree with that notion on paper. However considering this core of players have won the last three major tournaments, their winning pedigree is tough to bet against just the same.

Netherlands

The Dutch are an interesting squad. They have such brilliant individual talent with the likes of Manchester United’s Robin van Persie, Galatasaray’s Wesley Sneijder and Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben, however collectively they always seem to fail playing as one cohesive unit. This is a difficult group for Holland to navigate with ambitious Chile waiting in the wings as well. A loss to begin the World Cup would be a damaging one and might set the tone for a short World Cup stint.

Match Analysis

Neither team wants to lose this match. I think Holland would be much more content with a draw, though. Spain, too, would gladly take a point and move on to its next two matches. Considering that, I wouldn’t be surprised to see both sides play out a dull and cautious match and take what minimally is given to them by the other.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Both sides were fortunate to avoid the pre-tournament injury bug that so many other teams were hit with prior to traveling to Brazil. That being said, Spain still has to feel cautious with forward Diego Costa’s hamstring injury despite the word that he has recovered for the most part.

Josh’s Pick

This match has passivity written all over it. Don’t be surprised if this is a 0-0 result, which from a neutral perspective would be extremely disappointing considering this is one of the more high-profile matches of the group stages. Spain will dominate possession as they have come to do at the international level. Holland will defend and work off the counter. 0-0 draw is the scoreline.

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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