Portugal and Spain are the heavy favorites to make it out of Group B. Both teams have recently won a major international competition and each side has an extensive track record of success. Right now, Spain has the third-lowest odds to win the World Cup, while Portugal is considered the team with the seventh best chance of winning of it all. This has the potential to be one of the best matches of the Group Stage due to the quality of the two teams and the rivalry that comes with being neighbors on the Iberian Peninsula.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Fisht Stadium in Sochi at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, June 15, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Portugal +354
Spain -113
Draw +236
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
Spain has won three major international tournaments in the past 10 years, but La Roja will be looking to avenge a disappointing performance in Brazil. They had no problem getting through qualifying, topping a group that included Italy, and they have continued to look sharp in subsequent friendlies. Spain has drawn with Germany and Switzerland and ripped apart Argentina 6-1 in March. They will face Tunisia on Saturday in their final friendly before the World Cup kicks off.
Things have not gone so swimmingly for Portugal. The reigning European champions had no problem with qualifying, but their performance in friendlies this year has been a little worrying. They needed two stoppage time goals from Cristiano Ronaldo in their lone win and followed that up with a 3-0 loss to Holland. Over the last couple weeks, Portugal let a 2-0 lead slip away in a draw with Tunisia and drew with Belgium too. On Thursday, they will face Algeria in their last friendly before the World Cup.
Matchup to Watch
David de Gea is looking to prove that he is the best goalkeeper in the world. He was brilliant in net for Manchester United this year and has shored up a position that gave Spain problems at the last World Cup. He has proven his mettle in both international and domestic play and is in the prime of his career at 27.
It’s going to be tough to beat de Gea with an experienced defense in front of him, but Portugal have the best forward in the world. Ronaldo may have had his most complete performance yet this season. He netted 18 goals during Portugal’s qualifying bid and finished the Champions League with the most goals in that competition too.
Player to Watch
It may be curious to highlight another forward aside from Cristiano Ronaldo, but there will be some pressure on Diego Costa. Spain is blessed with an abundance of riches in the midfield. However, the same cannot be said with their options at forward.
Costa is the one proven commodity on this roster. He has a nose for goal, and while he isn’t the cleanest finisher, he gets the job done. Julian Lopetegui decided to leave Alvaro Morata out of the final 23, and no other forward has more than 10 international caps.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The last time these teams met was at Euro 2012. There, Spain and Portugal played a scoreless draw through regulation before Spain emerged victorious on penalties. That result isn’t an option this time around, but don’t be surprised if there isn’t much offense. With de Gea in net and questionable options at forward other than Costa, Spain will be content with controlling the ball with its midfield. Neither side needs a win, and both would be okay with a draw.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Spain 1, Portugal 1
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