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

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.

Algeria vs Russia Group H Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/25/2014

If Algeria gets so much as a draw, they are through to the Round of 16 in true underdog fashion. They will be conscious to make sure not to give up any cheap goals. Russia needs a victory, so maybe we will see that old style of attacking football from the Russians in this match.

Portugal vs Ghana Group G Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/25/2014

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.

United States vs Germany Group G Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 6/25/2014

Both teams, whether risky or not, would take a draw here. That being said, neither is going to leave to chance the slightest possibility either may miss out on the Round of 16. Germany know that in an attacking match, the USA cannot meet them half way.

World Cup Betting Advice: Group Stage to Elimination Round Differences
by Trevor Whenham - 6/24/2014

As we move into a whole new phase at the World Cup — out of the round robin and into the elimination rounds — things change in significant ways for bettors. Those bettors who understand the differences, and the opportunities they can present, are in a much better position to thrive than those who treat all World Cup games essentially the same regardless of when they are played. Here are five of the most significant differences:

World Cup Handicapping: Third Game Differences
by Trevor Whenham - 6/24/2014

When it comes to betting on the World Cup, most people know that there is a big difference between betting on round robin games and those in the round of 16 and beyond. From a betting perspective, though, there are just as significant differences between the first two games of the round robin and the third and final game. By understanding those differences, bettors can avoid costly mistakes, and they can often open up opportunities for real value. Here are four of the biggest differences:

World Cup Elimination Round Betting Trends
by Trevor Whenham - 6/24/2014

As we get ready for the elimination games at the World Cup, it’s a good time to look at some trends that have emerged over the course of the last three World Cups. (Note — I am ignoring the third-place game in all of these trends because I don’t trust the motivation of teams in that game coming off a disappointment in the semifinals).

Ecuador vs France Group E Free World Cup Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 6/23/2014

If France beats Ecuador in Wednesday's Group E match, it will be the first time it has taken all three group games in a major competition since 1998 - the year it went on to win the World Cup. This talk concerns France coach Didier Deschamps, who captained the side in '98 and who has been trying to play down the increasing hype after his team's 5-2 beating of Switzerland last Friday.