2014 World Cup Free Picks: Uruguay vs. Costa Rica

3 p.m., Saturday, June 15 – Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza (ABC)

Match Betting Lines

Group D gets underway with Uruguay being listed as -230 favorites. Costa Rica are massive underdogs at +750 and a draw in this match is priced at +325. The total for this match is 2.5 goals with +115 on the ‘over’ and -140 for the ‘under’.

Uruguay

Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are arguably the best strike partnership at the World Cup tournament. They lead the line for Uruguay and will pose a big test for an inferior Costa Rica side. The big storyline for the South Americans is can they follow up their 4th place finish at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with another strong performance on the world stage?

Costa Rica

Facing the likes of Uruguay, England and Italy will be a big step up from their qualifying group in CONCACAF. The level of play is better and the lights are brighter. Expect big things from young Joel Campbell, the Arsenal product who has been making waves on loan for Greek side Olympiacos.

Match Analysis

Uruguay will look at this match as a must win with its latter two group stage matches against England and Italy providing more difficult challenges. The price to win certainly reflects that. I think this will be an entertaining match with both teams producing goals.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Forward Luis Suarez has seemingly recovered after his minor knee surgery in late May. His health will be a story to follow but Uruguay have to feel good about him carrying the momentum from his amazing Premier League season with Liverpool to Brazil for the national team.

Guy’s Pick

Uruguay are the pick here. However the moneyline odds on them don’t really offer value. Consider laying -1 on the goal line spread with the idea for a multiple goal victory. I would also consider a play on the ‘over’ if you think Uruguay are going to follow through and hold up as chalk.

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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