Portugal – Spain World Cup Prediction
Both teams want to win this match between the 2 favorites of Group B.
State of form
European champion to the surprise in 2016, Portugal has logically qualified for this World Cup in Russia by finishing in first place in group B of the Europe zone, ahead of Switzerland in particular. Since then, Cristiano Ronaldo’s partners have played 7 friendlies (3 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeat). In March, they took over Egypt (2-1) before being corrected by the Netherlands (0-3). More recently, Portugal, deprived of CR7, was neutralized by Tunisia (2-2) and Belgium (0-0). Reinforced by the return of the fivefold Golden Ball, the Lusitanians finally concluded their preparation with an easy success against Algeria (3-0).
Despite poor performances at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, Spain remains a legitimate favorite for the final victory this summer. Julen Lopetegui’s men had no trouble winning the 1st place in Group G qualifiers in Europe, including Italy (9 wins and 1 draw). The qualification in hand, the Roja dominated, friendly, Costa Rica (5-0) before conceding the draw in Russia (3-3) at the end of 2017. In March, Andres’s partners Iniesta got a good draw in Germany before making a demonstration against Argentina (6-1). More recently, the Iberian selection was held in check by Switzerland (1-1), before obtaining a difficult victory against Tunisia (1-0). Incredible situation, we learned this week the express dismissal of coach Julen Lopetegui, officially future coach of Real Madrid, whose announcement did not at all pleased the Spanish Federation, so he decided to turn him in the wake. To replace him, the legend Fernando Hierro was chosen.
Headcount for Portugal – Spain
For this world, Portugal has made some important changes compared to the group that won the Euro 2016. Indeed, the hero of the final Eder (Lokomotiv Moscow) is missing from the list, as the third largest cape of the history of the selection, Nani (Lazio Rome), the experienced Coentrao (Sporting), the excellent Cancelo (Inter Milan) or the disappointing André Gomes (Barcelona). Captain Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) is leading a group that includes Rui Patricio (Sporting), Pepe (Besiktas), Bruno Alves (Glasgow Rangers), Cedric (Southampton), Guerreiro (Dortmund), Moutinho (Monaco ), William Carvalho (Sporting), Joao Mario (West Ham), Bernardo Silva (Man City) or Quaresma (Besiktas). They will be in charge of the promising Dias (Benfica), Bruno Fernandes, Gelson Martins (Sporting), Andre Silva (AC Milan) and Guedes (Valencia, loaned by PSG). The absences of Rolando (OM) and the excellent Rony Lopes (Monaco) will also be highlighted. Passed by Nice 2 years ago, the side Ricardo Pereira (new recruit of Leicester) is in the list.
In front, Spain has announced its list of 23 for this 2018 World Cup, composed of executives De Gea (Man Utd), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Ramos, Carvajal (Real Madrid), Pique, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta ( Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Isco (Real Madrid), Silva (Man City), Koke or Diego Costa (Atl Madrid) and Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Saul Niguez (Atl Madrid) and Asensio (Real Madrid) ). High performers in La Liga this season, strikers Aspas (Celta Vigo) and Rodrigo (Valencia) are also on the trip, as well as the excellent Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid). At the level of the forgotten, we can quote the Londoners Fabregas, Morata, Pedro and Marcos Alonso (Chelsea), the winger Callejon (Naples), as well as laterals Bellerin (Arsenal) and Sergi Roberto (Barcelona). Still uncertain, the right-back Carvajal could be replaced by his teammate Nacho for the first match.
Probable compositions for Portugal – Spain:
Portugal: Rui Patrício – Cédric, Pepe, José Fonte, Raphaël Guerreiro – Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho, João Moutinho, João Mario – Cristiano Ronaldo, André Silva (or Guedes).
Spain: De Gea – Carvajal (or Nacho), Pique, Ramos, Alba – Busquets, Thiago, Iniesta – Silva, Isco, Diego Costa.
Portugal – Spain Prediction
Taken by the stake of this 1st meeting, Portugal and Spain can separate back to back in this superb poster. Draw
Prediction Today: Under 2.5 goals scored
Odds: 1.47