Portugal vs Spain World Cup Prediction

One of the duels with greater interest in the first round of the 2018 World Cup is undoubtedly the Iberian clash between Portugal and Spain, which will be held at Fisht Stadium in Sochi. Joined in Group B together with Morocco and Iran, Portuguese and Spanish are widely favored to follow for the round of 16, providing a showdown of mutual respect and consideration from the initial whistle. The “Seleção das Quinas”, led by Fernando Santos, achieved a qualifying phase, losing in Switzerland on Matchday 2-0, then winning all matches, conceding only 2 goals in the remaining 9 challenges. In the last two friendly matches, Portugal maintained its goal against Algeria and against Belgium, demonstrating and reinforcing its power in the back sector, which allowed the conquest of Euro 2016, in which Rui Patrício was considered the best goalkeeper. World Cup champion Roja finished the qualifying round with 9 wins and 1 draw, scoring just 3 goals in 10 matches and seems to be back to his best under Lopetegui. In the 2 most recent preparation tests, they beat Tunisia 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Switzerland in games in which they clearly dominated the possession of the ball but did not come with much danger to the opposing area. In 2010 Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16, and in 2012 the European semi-final match had to be decided in the penalty shoot-outs after a nil in 120 minutes. What a great game in perspective!

Our Prediction Explained

The strong defensive organization of both sets, who scored only 4 and 3 goals in the qualifying.
The last 3 official matches between these selections ended 1-0 for each side and 0-0.
The fact that we are facing two old rivals, and there must be mutual respect from the beginning of the game.
Spain usually dominates the possession of the ball without creating much danger and will have in front a very cohesive defense.
Rui Patrício was the best goalkeeper of the Euro 2016 and the structure of the Portuguese defensive sector remains.

Our Prediction Portugal vs Spain

We expect a very tactical match, with both teams playing very organized and can be decided in detail. Knowing the value of the opponent, the two Iberian teams should not risk much and this confrontation should have few goals. Bet there will be 2 goals or less!

Prediction Today: Under 2.5 goals
Odds: 1.55