Match Preview: Spain vs Portugal

The first match fixtures of Group B start with a belter with rivals Spain and Portugal going up against each other at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi to kick off their campaign in Russia. There has been much anticipation for this fixture as it sees the two heavy-weights of the competition go head-to-head in Russia in only what is the second day. 

With Spain’s decision to sack head-coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday, Spain’s odds of winning the World Cup have been definitely been harmed. The news came after Lopetegui had agreed to join Real Madrid next season despite only signing a 2-year extension with the Spanish Football Federation after Spain qualified. Sergio Ramos has come out and admitted that the atmosphere in the Spanish training camp is subdue and it is like the whole squad had just attended a funeral 

Spain

Despite their recent managerial crisis, Spain enters the tournament being 3^rdfavourites to lift the trophy on the 15^thof July. Their triumphs in 2010 see them be ranked 10^thin the Fifa World Rankings despite being so successful in 2014 or in the 2016 Euros. 

Spain will be determined to show their quality and prove that the recent change of coach will not have affected them when they enter their biggest group game. I expect them not concede many goals in the tournament when their defense flex a partnership of Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos. 

If he starts, I think that Real Madrid youngster Marco Ascensio will take the game by the scruff of the neck and will be a danger to the Portuguese side. The Spaniard will be eager to make a name for himself on the World biggest stage after being on the fringes under Zidane for the past two seasons. 

I can see Spain struggling and not reaching the levels we are so used to seeing by them and this game against Portugal will show that. Hopefully, they silence myself and other critics by turning up against their neighbours and show they are still one of the elites in international football. 

Portugal

The Euro 2016 champions won the tournament in unpopular fashion two years ago by riding out 1-0 wins that were usually scored in extra time. They enter the tournament with that reputation of being hard to beat, as they proved at the Euros and are ranked 4^thin the World Rankings. 

Star-man Cristiano Ronaldo will be determined to carry the team to victory and establish himself as the best football player of all time by trumping competitor, Lionel Messi, to the World Cup. However, their defense is aging with Jose Fonte, Pepe and Bruno Alves being their options at center back. 

I think Portugal will be reserved in this game and their aim like in most will be to contain the Spanish possession and hope to use their attacking options of Andre Silva, Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva on the counter.  If they show the qualities and spirit of two years ago I expect them to be hard to beat and will be a surprise package in this game and in the tournament. 

Bookies Odds: 

Spain -  21/20

Draw - 9/4

Portugal – 3/1 

Predictions:

I think this game is going to be evenly matched for different reasons, Spain have too much quality and experience to lose this one in embarrassing fashion and Portugal will be so determined not to lose as they know getting a point from this game practically all but ensures them into the last 16. 

I’m going to be safe and go for a draw but with a few goals. 2-2