What Bettors Need to Know: Spain vs. Portugal
By MICHAEL DA SILVA
Spain (-114) vs. Portugal (+266, 2.5)
Spain versus Portugal is one of the glamor ties of this World Cup. It's just a shame it’s had to come as early as the second round.
With the likes of Villa, Iniesta, Deco and Ronaldo all on show, this Iberian derby promises to be a feast of skill and flair of the highest calibre. Expect goals. Well, keep your fingers crossed.
The added incentive for these sides is that with Paraguay or Japan waiting in the wings in the quarter finals, you would expect either Spain or Portugal to march on to the semis.
Game strategy
Tournament favorites Spain, who are slowing hitting form at the right time after a shocking opening loss to Switzerland, are likely to start with the same side that defeated Chile 2-1 in their last game.
Despite two excellent goals for Spain – by David Villa and Andres Iniesta – the score line flattered them and Chile were much the better side for the majority of the game, handicapped by the harsh red card shown to Marco Estrada.
But Spain, despite their obvious quality, are yet to show the form that saw them crowned European champions two years ago.
The only injury concern for Spain is for Xabi Alonso, who picked up an ankle injury in that game.
The key battle, as identified by Spain right-back Sergio Ramos, is his very own with Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played mostly on the left throughout this World Cup, as well as through the middle in the absence of Deco.
"Portugal are a great team and they are in top form,” Ramos said Monday. “I am looking forward to playing against teammates and friends Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe. Let's see if we can make it to the quarterfinals."
"Cristiano is very fast, strong and a speedster with the ball at his feet. I have to prevent him from receiving the ball and we must stop him from having a lot of room to work with."
Portugal, meanwhile, go into the game as underdogs – a rare position for them to be in.
Winger Simao has talked up his sides chances of upsetting the European champions, claiming they're "not scared at all" of Spain.
"They're one of the best teams in the world but it's 50-50," he said. "Without showing them a lack of respect, we're not scared at all. We've got a great team too. And to become better, we have to beat Spain. They're champions of Europe, but we have our own qualities.
"You have to be aggressive. I don't mean committing fouls, but pressure the ball carrier and play our own game. They like keeping the ball, but it's not always the team that has the ball that wins."
"It's normal that they wanted to avoid Brazil,” the Atletico Madrid winger added. “But we're strong as well and I think we'll give them at least as many problems. Instead of talking about Spain all the time, we need to focus on ourselves."
Portugal have the luxury of being able to welcome back several players rested by Carlos Queiroz for the dire 0-0 draw with Brazil, with Liedson, Simao and Paulo Ferreira all joining Deco in contention for a starting berth.
Know your enemy
The last time the sides met was at Euro 2004, when Portugal won 1-0 on home soil and Spain were sent tumbling out in the group stage. But that was Portugal's only win over Spain since 1981 across seven meetings, so Vicente del Bosque's side will go into the game as strong favourites.
Players to watch
Spain - David Villa
Villa was the top scorer at Euro 2008 and is in great form at the World Cup. With Fernando Torres struggling for fitness, it is looking increasingly likely that Villa will be central to Spain's hopes of success. With a double against Honduras and one against Chile, Villa is in the hunt for another Golden Boot.
Portugal - Fabio Coentrao
The Benfica left back is one of the most exciting young prospects in world football. His darting runs from defence make him a potent attacking threat but he knows how to defend too. Against North Korea he showed his crossing ability, having a hand in four of the seven goals and links superbly with Cristiano Ronaldo in attacking positions.
Weather / Pitch
The pitch at the Green Point stadium in Cape Town is one of the best surfaces at this World Cup, so neither side will be concerned with any divots upsetting either sides rhythmic passing games. But the weather, again, will be cold.
But with both sides from the same neck of the woods, the chilly evening temperatures of 47 degrees Fahrenheit, shouldn’t have an adverse affect. However, a 50 percent chance of rain is forecast so that could make things interesting.
Stat attack
Spain are the only team yet to receive a yellow card, while Portugal are the only nation yet to concede a goal.
Since 1966 Spain have scored nine World Cup goals from outside the penalty area, with David Villa has scoring three of them.
Spanish midfielder Jesús Navas has attempted 40 crosses from open play - 18 more than any other player in the World Cup.