Spain v Portugal Betting Preview

Written by James Beckett Saturday, 26 June 2010 17:21

Betting Odds

In one of the betting ties of the last 16, pre tournament favourites Spain take on near rivals Portugal, looking to continue a run of form which has seen them bounce back from an opening game defeat, to top spot in Group H.


Portugal on the other hand were unbeaten in their group, and will be out to continue this form and produce a surprise result against the Spanish. Despite having the superstar that is Cristiano Ronaldo amongst their ranks, the Portuguese will go in to the game as underdogs, and will need to be at their very best to knock out the reigning European Champions.


However Spain do have a big fitness worry, after Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso suffered a sprained ankle in the win over Chile. If Alonso does miss out, then Jesus Navas could be set for a recall, meaning Sergio Busquets being used in a more defensive role. But coach Vicente del Bosque would have been delighted to see Andres Iniesta get a start and a goal under his belt in Friday's game.


Del Bosque will also be pleased with the form of new Barcelona signing David Villa, who's superb opener against Chile, followed a brace in the 2-0 win over Honduras. The former Valencia man is been used in a wider role, allowing for Fernando Torres to play centrally, however it doesn't seem to have affected him, and Villa is in superb form going in to this game.


Torres on the other hand isn't in superb form, and he will be desperate to open his World Cup account against Portugal. But players like Torres don't stay goalless for long, and it seems only a matter of time before he hits the goal rush again.

Portugal also have issues with goals upfront, despite the seven they scored in the win over North Korea. Hugo Almeida was dropped for the game against Brazil, with Ronaldo been played centrally, and Zenit St Petersburg winger Danny given a start. But he disapointed once again in a Portugal shirt, and Simao could be set for a start.


Real Mardid defender Pepe made his first start of the tournament against Brazil and came through unscathed and he will probably continue in the centre of defence alongside Ricardo Carvalho, elsewhere Fabio Coentrao will be out to continue his impressive tournament so far.


This is set up for a real exciting contest with both teams having a reputation as football sides. But if Portugal try and beat Spain at a game of football, the Spanish are the only winners with players like Iniesta and Xavi.


The only way for Portugal to win this game is to press at every possible opportunity and stop Spain playing, but whether they have the discipline to do this another question. You just feel that Spain are beginning to get a bit of momentum and this is not only bad for Portugal, but for all of the sides still left in the World Cup.

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