World Cup Predictions & Tips | Round of 16: Portugal v Spain

Match 93: Portugal v Spain
Location: Dallas Stadium
Time: 7:00am, Tuesday 7 July
Head to Head: Portugal Wins (6), Spain Wins (17), Draws (18)

Key Stats

• Spain have maintained a clean sheet in 11 of their last 14 games
• Spain are unbeaten in their last 35 matches
• Under 2.5 goals is 6-1 in Spain’s last 6 knockout games in this competition
• 6 of the last 7 meetings have been a draw at the end of regulation time
• Portugal has record 1 clean sheet in its last 7 matches in this competition

Preview

Their respective Round of 32 matches could not have been any different from one another. As they have done in every match played in the tournament, Spain were in complete control against Austria. They had 64% possession, 9 corners to 0 and prevented Austria from having a single shot on target. In short, they could have played without a goalkeeper between the sticks and still would have won the game. The 3-0 win was their 11 clean sheets from their last 14 games and extended their unbeaten run to 35 matches. Both teams to score has hit in only 3 of their last 14 games with Under 2.5 goals holding in 6 of their last 7 knockout matches in this competition.

In contrast, Portugal failed to break the deadlock despite dominating possession, fell behind before being gifted a penalty which Ronaldo converted and found a winner deep in stoppage time. Roberto Martinez deserves praise as he took the quartet of Vitinha, Neto, Bruno and Cancelo off on the hour mark and Ronaldo with 10 to go with the scores tied! They may have progressed but we are left with more questions than answers. Portugal have registered a single clean sheet from their last 7 matches in his competition and keeping Spain at bay will not be an easy task.

Throughout this tournament we have seen nations face off for the very first time but that is not the case here. They have met in every format including knockout competitions, friendlies and European confederation events. Most recently they locked horns in the Nations League final and with the scores level after 120 minutes, Portugal won on penalties. That result means that 6 of their last 7 meetings have ended in a draw and the score in three of those has been 0-0. Under 2.5 goals is 4-1 in the last 5 clashes and both teams to score has hit in only 3 of the last 11 meetings. Expecting Spain to dominate possession and that will force Roberto Martinez to make some big decisions. This one will remain 0-0 for a long time and potentially remain that way until a penalty shootout.

Player To Watch

Ronaldo may have scored his first knockout goal ever in this tournament but he should be avoided in all player props as Portugal will be starved of possession and we could see him subbed off early. Yamal on the other hand will remain on the pitch and be the driving force in Spain’s attack. Has recorded 12 shots in only 206 minutes (1 shot every 17 minutes) played and with this game likely to remain close, he will almost certainly remain on the field for its entirety. Pencil him in for 4+ and 5+ shots.

Betting Tips

Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals ($2.05)
Other: Draw ($3.60)
Correct Score: Draw 0-0 ($15)
SGM: Both Teams To Score – No, Yamal 4+ shots, 1st Half Under 1.5 goals (4.31)