Published Jul 3, 4:03am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jul 3, 4:03am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jul 3, 4:03am ET
A heavyweight showdown is set for the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup on July 6, as Portugal and Spain collide in Dallas.
Portugal will bring confidence into this clash after beating La Roja in last year’s Nations League final, but Roberto Martinez’s side are yet to reach top gear in North America this summer.
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| Portugal | +305 |
| DRAW | +262 |
| Spain | -105 |
Roberto Martinez’s Portugal are yet to hit top gear at this summer’s World Cup, and they have dropped into a more challenging half of the draw after finishing second in Group K.
However, they looked slightly more accustomed to the challenge in the knockout round in midweek, coming up against European opposition for the first time. Portugal held their nerve to eventually see off Croatia, coming back from 1-0 down to score the winner in the fourth minute of second half injury time.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his third goal in the tournament in the win, but the veteran’s mobility in the final third is a major concern. Finding the right balance remains their biggest challenge, but with a midfield consisting of Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes, Portugal boasts enough creativity to create chances against the very best nations.
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Spain will be among the leading contenders for World Cup glory this summer, as they bid to add to the EURO title that they won two years ago.
Despite making a slow start to the tournament, La Roja have won their previous three fixtures, and they were dominant in their round of 32 win against Austria in midweek. Spain dominated the ball, and didn’t allow their opponents to have a single shot on target. They have also now kept four straight clean sheets in North America this summer, ensuring that this is a daunting prospect for Portugal.
Mikel Oyarzabal is in excellent form, scoring four in as many appearances at the World Cup. The striker has also netted 16 goals in his last 16 internationals.
Matches between these nations have typically been tight affairs, indicated by the fact that four of the last five have ended in draws. A long night in Dallas could await both sides, as we expect Spain to create clear openings, while Portugal will get success on the counterattack. The narrow preference is for the Portuguese to edge through on penalties.
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Pick
Portugal in Penalty Shootout (+1200)
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