The first huge derby of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is set for Friday, June 15th, 2018, when two heavyweights Portugal and Spain will lock horns at Fisht Stadium in Sochi. The European champions Portugal are considered as +300 underdogs to win this game, while the bookies set the odds on the Over/Under 2.5 Goals at +125/-163. The one-time world champion from 2010 Spain is among the biggest contenders to lift the World Cup Trophy this summer, and they couldn’t imagine the tougher start of the tournament, so let’s see what can the bettors look after in this match.
Portugal vs. Spain
3-Way: 1: Portugal +300; X: +230 Draw; 2: Spain -105 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +0.5: Portugal -105; Spain -105
Total +2: Over -135; Under +115
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +100/-134
PORTUGAL
After winning the EURO 2016 for the first time in their history, Portugal had a strong campaign in the qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finishing at the top of their group with a 9-0-1 record and a goal difference of 32:4, while the only loss came against the second-placed Switzerland on the road. In their last ten games overall, Portugal has suffered just one defeat in a friendly against the Netherlands 3-0, whilst they’ve earned a couple of stalemates in their previous two friendlies against Tunisia 2-2 and Belgium 0-0.
It seems like the manager Fernando Santos is still trying to gel the things at the defensive line, as Portugal’s defense doesn’t look sturdy like in the previous two years, and this could be a big problem against Spain. Santos prefers a 4-5-1 formation, switching occasionally to a 4-3-3 if necessary, and insisting on a direct-passing style of play. Cristiano Ronaldo is a leader of this Portugal team, and his contribution will be crucial in Portugal’s eventual drive to success. The talented forward Bernardo Silva could be a potential surprise in the starting eleven, while the experienced playmaker Joao Moutinho should orchestrate the play from midfield.
SPAIN
The previous FIFA World Cup in Brazil was a real embarrassment for the Red Fury, as they ended the journey after the group stage, although they were defending champions at the time. Two years ago at the European Championship, Spain made it to the Round of 16 where they were easily beaten by Italy 2-0, so it was another disappointment for their fans who expect some kind of redemption this summer in Russia. The bookmakers favor Spain at +600 to beat the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as the Red Fury possesses plenty of talent among the squad.
The manager Julen Lopetegui continues to develop a short-passing style of play, preferring to play in a 4-5-1 system with Diego Costa at the front, and Lopetegui insists on simple solutions in the final third which makes this Spain team quite interesting to watch. The 32-year old experienced playmaker David Silva is a key member of Red Fury’s midfield along with the Real Madrid’s Isco who should provide help for Diego Costa at the front. The captain Sergio Ramos will hold the things at the defensive line, and if Gerard Pique finds the right form in Russia, Spain’s defense could their secret weapon, as the offensive line is already considered as their strongest side.
Portugal vs. Spain – Match and Odds Breakdown
Considering this is an opening game of the tournament for both Portugal and Spain, the bookies expect to see a tight clash and a cautious approach on both sides of the field. Portugal particularly likes to play defensively against strong opponents, trying to slow down the tempo of the game which could be essential against the Red Fury, as Spain is certainly a stronger team than Portugal in the middle of the park. Hereof, the Red Fury should control the ball, and if they manage to impose their tempo, Portugal will have a difficult time to defend the net.
The Red Fury is well-known for its’ fluid passing-game, creating dangerous scoring opportunities literally at will, so I’m backing Spain to win this game, probably with a single-goal margin, while the wages on Spain to win with at least a two-goal margin are set at +268 A quick opener could be a huge game changer here whoever gets it first, but if we don’t see it, this game will be probably finished in the under. Therefore, the bettors should be careful, as betting on the totals looks pretty tricky in this clash. Both sides possess plenty of qualities in their frontlines, so a couple of goals could be scored in a blink of an eye.
However, the bettors should check out all lines and markets for Portugal versus Spain duel on BetDSI Sportsbook, as they will cover all 2018 FIFA World Cup games.
The Pick: Spain (-105)
