World Cup Picks Day 7

Day seven in the Brazil 2014 World Cup has not only intriguing games, but teams could be facing elimination depending on how things go from now on.  On June 18, there’s activity for group B with two amazing games and the reminder game from group A.

Croatia vs Cameroon, Group A

Two teams that lost in the first fixture are forced to win in their second match of the group; anything but a victory for either Croatia or Cameroon would put them right at the edge of elimination.

Croatia played a defensive matchup against Brazil in the World Cup opener and didn’t deserve to lose, but now they need to show a more offensive approach considering Cameroon is the underdog.  The Europeans have quality players on the offensive side of the ball in Luka Modric, Ivica Olic and Rakitic, which means they are capable of taking control of their match and attack the opponent from any side.

Cameroon didn’t look good against Mexico, and if the referee wouldn’t disallow two clear goals for Mexico, they could have ended with a bad beat in the first game.  Striker Samuel Eto’o is doubtful for the game with an injury, making the African squad even more vulnerable.

Pick: Croatia.

Spain vs Chile, Group B

Given the crushing loss they suffered against Netherlands, the World Champions, Spain, are more than obligated to win against Chile.  We saw Italy get eliminated in the first round in 2010 as champions, and the Spaniards might be on the same path after their 5-1 loss against the Dutch.

Chile will play this game with caution because anything but a loss is a huge win for them, especially considering the goal differential is on their side after beating Australia 3-1 and the already mentioned loss by Spain.

The game will be close and won’t have many clear opportunities for each of the teams, so, I’ll take the draw. Keep in mind these two teams met in South Africa 2010, and finished with a 2-1 result for Spain, but it was an awfully close game.

Best Pick: Draw.

Netherlands vs Australia, Group B

Australia has never been beaten by Netherland in three games they have played, but they haven’t met on the World Cup stage before.

The Dutch looked massively good against Spain, nothing only getting their revenge back, but understanding how to play a team with such a class soccer style.  Australia is a different kind of animal, mostly because the Aussies will try to defend first and then look for the counter attack.

I don’t like to bet against Netherlands; their showing against Spain was not luck, they are discipline on the defensive side and tremendous fast and skilled on offense, especially with Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie upfront.

Take Netherlands to beat Australia without problem, but don’t expect another blowout; there was bad blood between the Dutch and the Spaniards, there is not such a team here.

Pick: Netherlands.