World Cup Picks - Friday, June 25

Nice day on Thursday after I avoided the somewhat nutty afternoon games.

Spread W/L/D: 10/6/7
Moneyline W/L: 3/7
O/U W/L/D: 8/7/3
Props: 1/1

Overall Balance: -13.24 units
YTD W/L/D: 22/22/10

Brazil vs. Portugal

Interesting situation here where Brazil will rest some players and have others suspended (Kaka) and Portugal will have a few changes as well. While normally this would be a big match, both teams have virtually qualified (Brazil is automatically in, if Portugal wins or draws they will top the group, if Portugal loses Ivory Coast must score 9+ goals to overtake them), so how much will they really give? Portugal it seems wants to finish on top and continue their sudden momentum into the knockout stages while I think Brazil will just attempt to cruise a bit and show flair here and there. Unfortunately the odds that I'm seeing don't support what I want, which is Portugal +1 and I'm not sure I like +1/2 at these odds. Will think of this a bit. If the Pick shows up I may hit it for a little.

Ivory Coast vs. North Korea

Both teams are basically eliminated (okay so IC has a slight chance) and North Korea remains a big enigma. Their coach admitted he got everything wrong against Portugal and I think while they probably don't want to go home, they are just marking time here. Ivory Coast have stated that despite the slim chance of advancing they will attempt to score as many goals as possible against North Korea to give it a go. So I think I will too. I really may regret this...

Ivory Coast -1.5 (+125): 5 units
Ivory Coast vs. North Korea OVER 2.5 goals (-118): 3 units

Spain vs. Chile

Chile will miss both Fernandez and Carmona; the bigger of the two may be the midfielder Carmona, who is central to the team's psyche. Still, Chile would love nothing but to cause major issues for Spain, and knocking them out of the tournament by causing a loss or even a draw would do them just fine. They certainly have the capability and spirit, and Spain has been a little iffy for sure. This is all about desire, and despite the fact that Chile is all but qualified, they will want to make Spain work for advancing big time. I think some bit of colonial revenge is going to be sweeeet.

Chile +1 (+110): 7 units
Spain vs. Chile UNDER 2.5 goals (-109): 4 units

Switzerland vs. Honduras

Switzerland are in the position where they really need to win here and win big; by at least 2 goals, though they haven't won by that much in quite some time. Honduras is weak and is ripe for the picking, and the knockout round is jussssst in sight. The Swiss have certainly shown the capability to score and they will push for it now. Behrami is suspended and Senderos will probably still be out.

Switzerland -200 for 6 units
Switzerland -1 (-105): for 4 units

Open bets: 6 (29 units)

good luck

Adding:

Portugal pick (+140): 4 units

Good results so far, Ivory Coast and Drogba really did come out to play a little. Sweated the Over for a bit. As for Portugal-Brazil... well there were chances on either side but mostly squandered. Would have done better betting on yellow cards

Crapped out again on the afternoon games. Switzerland was incredibly disappointing; it was in their hands and they ed it.

Spread W/L/D: 11/7/8 (1/1/2)
Moneyline W/L: 3/8 (0/1)
O/U W/L/D: 9/8/3 (1/1)
Props: 1/1

Overall Balance: -18.45 units (-5.21)
YTD W/L/D: 24/25/12 (2/3/2)