Soccer World Cup Free Play 06/23: Spain vs. Australia

Soccer World Cup Play: Spain vs. Australia

***EARLY GAME***

Spain is hands down the biggest disappointment of this tournament and the “common sense” is telling me to stay away of this game…after all, their attitude was horrible in the first 2 games and even in the practice there was some problems w/ Fabregas and NT Spanish coach.

However, I’ve just noticed their starting lineup for today and actually, IMO this would be their strongest team on the field in the tournament!

Spanish starting XI: Reina; Juanfran, Ramos, Albiol, Jordi Alba; Cazorla, Xabi Alonso, Koke; David Villa, Torres, Iniesta.

The biggest problem for Spain (besides the awful display from Iker Casillas) relied on their midfield unit: Busquets, Xabi Alonso and Xavi are all “ball possession” players that couldn’t do much more… They lack the proper pace and verticality and obviously, the Spanish midfield unit played always too “narrow”.

Spanish NT coach should have played Koke since the start of the tournament that is coming from a monster season in Atletico Madrid and is way more dynamic than any of those 3 players mentioned before. Also, Santi Cazorla is starting as well and I really expect Spain to improve their attacking dynamic from the sunset.

The Australian team has been exciting to watch w/ their fighting spirit and proactive style, but their defense has been really poor. Their best player Tim Cahill is suspended and will miss this contest and he really is the difference maker of this team. Finally, Australia is starting 9 of their 11 players today that played vs. Netherlands so, I also think that Spain will have a physical edge in here as most of their starters today didn’t play much in the first 2 games.

Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on Spain (-1.25) @ -108 / 1.92 on Pinnacle Sports (OR -115 / 1.87 on Betonline)