Free Soccer Picks (Today's Tips, Odds, Predictions)

World Cup Handicapping: Betting Challenges for Third-Place Game
by Trevor Whenham - 7/9/2014

As I write this we are just a few hours removed from Brazil’s semifinal debacle. Time has not made it make any more sense — that was the strangest game I have ever seen. Among many other things to ponder coming out of that game, this 7-1 result forces us to think about the third-place game even more than usual.

Brazil vs. Germany World Cup Handicapping: Neymar and Silva absences
by Trevor Whenham - 7/7/2014

The good news for Brazil and their fans is that they beat Colombia and moved on to the Semifinals in their own World Cup. That is pretty much where the good news ends, though. Beyond that the semifinals were pretty much a disaster. First, captain Thiago Silva received his second yellow card in the game, and that means that he will not be available for the semifinal against Germany — though he can return for the final if they make it that far.

Netherlands vs Argentina Semi-Finals Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 7/7/2014

I’d expect this to be a cagey affair. As high-powered an offense as Argentina has to offer, they have been fairly defensive-minded. I would presume the same to hold up against a Dutch side that will also approach this match with caution, knowing how much is on the line.

Brazil vs Germany Semi-Finals Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 7/6/2014

Brazil has lacked a supplemental punch in attack and have been way too reliant on Neymar. Well now they don’t get that luxury against Germany. With Neymar sidelined who will step up? Oscar? Hulk? We'll find out on Tuesday.

World Cup Handicapping: Judging the Quarterfinalists
by Trevor Whenham - 7/3/2014

As we await the start of the quarterfinals in the World Cup it is a good time to evaluate the eight remaining teams. What do they face going forward? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Most importantly, is there any value in betting on them to win the tournament?:

World Cup Betting: Handicapping the Regions
by Trevor Whenham - 7/3/2014

With time between the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals, this is a good time to look at how the regions have performed in the tournament so far. Each team is obviously separate from their region, but by studying the strength of the regions we can more effectively understand how well a team is performing based to the expectations we had for them coming into the tournament. In short, then, understanding how regions have performed can help us to predict how the team might perform going forward. Without further ado, and in alphabetical order:

Odds to Win the World Cup Update with Picks and Predictions
by Trevor Whenham - 7/2/2014

We get a breather from all the World Cup action as we await the start of the quarterfinals on July 4. It’s a good time, then, to look for value in the World Cup futures as they sit now with some picks and predictions for the final eight teams (odds for World Cup winner are from Bovada):

Argentina vs Belgium Quarterfinals Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 7/2/2014

I expect both teams to take the games to each other in true attacking fashion. Each unit is best when going forward, and so the big difference in this one will be how they react to one another when on their back heels defending the other’s attack.

France vs Germany Quarterfinals Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 7/2/2014

France has as balanced a team as anyone in Brazil which will leave Germany with their hands full. With that, they are seen to be able to create mismatches across the field, both in the middle of the midfield and out wide on the flanks.

Netherlands vs Costa Rica Quarterfinals Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 7/2/2014

Netherlands will need to take the game to Costa Rica, who played an extra 30 minutes in the heat and looked to have drained themselves as they did everything in their power to advance. An up-tempo match favors the Dutch, and they’d be smart to push forward as frequently as they can to put the underdogs on the heels for much of this match.

Brazil vs Columbia Quarterfinals Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 7/1/2014

How will Brazil attack in this match? Thus far the formation used by Brazil has not yielded optimum results. They are getting little to no production from their strikers and relying too much on Neymar on the left flank.

Belgium vs. United States Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/29/2014

The United States cannot afford to give away the bulk of possession to their opponent yet again. It’s a developing trend. They sat back and defended against Ghana for the entire match and were outplayed despite winning.

Argentina vs. Switzerland Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/29/2014

Stop Lionel Messi – that’s the unenviable task the Swiss have here. They have seen that none of his teammates have really made a big splash in Brazil. And while Argentina is so gifted that any one player could spring up with supplemental help, the match likely rests on the individual brilliance of Barcelona’s Messi.

Germany vs Algeria Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/28/2014

Germany are going to find themselves in a similar match here as they did against the USA. Algeria are going to give them possession. They'll have to concede otherwise they’ll be too exposed if trying to make their way forward too often.

France vs Nigeria Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/28/2014

France’s balance across the board gives them such an advantage, not just in this match but generally speaking when matching up with teams in Brazil. They don’t rely on any one player such as a Messi or Neymar so it's much more difficult to key on one player.

Columbia vs Uruguay Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/27/2014

Colombia will be the aggressor. Uruguay doesn’t seem to possess the defense to hold Columbia in check so that will be an issue from the start. It will be interesting to see how much Uruguay will push forward or will they simply wait for a few counter-attacking chances.

Costa Rica vs Greece Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/27/2014

Costa Rica is a slight favorite at +155 while Greece comes into their Round of 16 match as +190 underdog. The draw in this match is listed at +220 and the total is 2 goals. Alternatively, you can wager on Costa Rica to advance (90 minute win or via extra time or penalty kicks) at -125 and Greece at +100.

Netherlands vs Mexico Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/26/2014

Holland has advanced as Group B winners and have been listed at EVEN money. Mexico, a somewhat surprise team, are +275 while the draw is listed at +250. The total for the Netherlands vs Mexico match is listed at 2.5 goals.

Brazil vs Chile Round of 16 Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/26/2014

The pressure remains on Brazil. That much hasn’t changed. The team’s 4-1 win over Cameroon did serve as a really strong note in which to wrap up the group as top finishers. They’ll take that positive performance with them.

South Korea vs Belgium Group H Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/25/2014

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.