World Cup: Monday`s preview and picks

World Cup: Monday`s preview and picks   
Covers.com staff

 

Switzerland (+166) vs. Ukraine (+180), Draw (+200)
Total: 2 ½, Over (+110), Under (-182)

 

Ukraine has looked like a final 16 team in exactly one match; it’s 4-0 blowout of Saudi Arabia. That result is bookended by two sub par performances; a 4-0 loss to Spain in its first match and a 1-0 win over an undermanned Tunisian team in its third.

 

There’s no doubt that Ukraine is a dangerous squad with Chelsea superstriker Andriy Shevchenko leading the way. If Ukraine plays with the confidence it showed against Saudi Arabia, it will contend against a tough Swiss squad.

 

Switzerland was as calm and controlled as any team in advancing though to the knockout stage and is the only team remaining in the tournament that hasn’t allowed a goal. The Swiss counter Shevchenko with a prolific striker of their own in French Leaguer Alexander Frei. The Stade Rennais FC star has scored two of Switzerland’s four goals in the tournament, a number equal to Shevchenko.

 

If Switzerland wins, it will do so without one of its top defenders, 21-year-old Philippe Senderos, who is out for the tournament after dislocating his shoulder in the last match against Korea. Another youngster in 19-year-old Johan Djourou replaces him.

 

Covers.com pick: Ukraine 2-1 (extra time)

 

Italy (-205) vs. Australia (+620), Draw (+220)
Total: 2 ½, Over (+110), Under (-154)

 

It took 32 years for Australia’s return to the knockout stage, but a split-second decision by coach Guus Hiddink nearly ended it all.

 

In a controversial and risky decision, Hiddink opted to start reserve keeper Zeljko Kalac for all three of Australia’s group play matches over Mark Schwarzer. The move was a bust. Kalac was average at best and allowed a soft goal to Crotia’s Nico Kovac in the 56th minute of Australia’s final group match.

 

A late goal by Harry Kewell saved the day but Kalac will sit for Monday’s game and beyond. There are still questions about Kewell’s availability as well. Kewell hasn’t practiced since Thursday’s draw with Croatia, potentially robbing the Aussies of their best striker.

 

That’s a little unsettling considering Italy has surrendered only one goal all tournament.

 

But while the Italians are playing solid defensively, Italy’s attack has been far from potent. Striker and Italian Serie A leading scorer Toni Luca remains without a goal through two matches.

 

That leaves Marcello Lippi with a tough decision: keep Luca alongside Alberto Gilardino, or somehow find room for Filippo Inzaghi, who notched a goal in Thursday’s win over the Czech Republic.

 

Covers.com pick: Italy 1-0