Portugal – Spain

Portugal and Spain will square off in the first blockbuster clash of the 2018 World Cup, the two teams being drawn in Group B with Morocco and Iran.

Portugal of course is coming after the historic success in Euro 2016, and with Cristiano Ronaldo in top form they will be hopeful of a good performance in this World Cup. The Portugese side has cruised in the WC qualifiers with 9 wins from 10 games in a group which also featured Switzerland and Hungary. Overall they lost just once in their last 18 games and will feel good about themselves coming into this clash.

The big news regarding Spain is the sacking of head coach Julien Lopetegui just three days before their first World Cup match, with ex Oviedo manager Fernando Hierro tacking his place. Spain has been very solid lately, being undefeated since Euro 2016, riding a 19 match unbeaten streak. It remains to be seen how much the Lopetegui fiasco will affect the team.

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Team news & lineups:

Portugal: Rui Patricio – Soares, Fonte, Pepe, Guerreiro – Silva, Carvalho, Mario, Guedes – Silva, Ronaldo

Spain: De Gea – Carvajal, Ramos, Pique, Alba – Koke, Busquets, Iniesta – Asensio, Diego Costa, Isco

On paper Spain is the stronger side, but Portugal are playing at a very high level themselves. Ronaldo’s side is in great form, and Spain could be hurt by their head coach drama. As such, the balance of power should even out.

Both teams defend well, so it`s very possible that this could end up being a midfield battle, with Spain holding most of possession but struggling to create many chances.

Not lastly, these two are big favorited in a group with Morocco and Iran, so a draw would be a satisfactory result for both of them. It would make sense for both Spain and Portugal to play it safe and avoid taking risks.

Bottom line this looks like an evenly matched clash on paper, and considering the playing styles and the way the group is shaped, a draw seems like a logical result to expect. Taking all these into account, my tip will be a draw with low – medium stakes. Prediction: Portugal – Spain 0-0.

Pick: Draw
Odds: 3.30 @ Unibet
Stake: 4
Possible profit: 9.20
Event date: 15 June