World Cup
2010-06-29 - Spain vs Portugal
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:This is one of the most eagerly waited matches as Spain takes on Portugal in the second round of the World Cup and with both sides doing well in recent tournaments.
As it is now, Spain made the last 16 four years ago and are the current holders of the European Championships. Meanwhile, Portugal finished as runners-up at Euro 2004 and fourth at the 2006 World Cup.
Both teams were below expectations during the group stages as they failed to shine. Spain were beaten in their opening encounter to Switzerland, before recovering after that to see off Honduras and Chile and top Group H. Portugal finished second to Brazil in Group G, with a 7-0 demolition of North Korea the game everyone was talking about.
But it is worth to note here that Carlos Queiroz's side are also the only team left in the competition yet to concede a goal, having been held 0-0 by Ivory Coast and Brazil in their other two games played.
Spain on the other hand will be hoping that they can get their attacking act together as the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, while Portugal have also yet to see the best from their star players such as Ronaldo.
Fernando Torres has so far failed to find the target for the Spanish, and looks far from his best after the operation he had and the long layoff while Cristiano Ronaldo has been unable to produce the sparkling form which earned him the 2009 World Player of the Year award.
As for the team news, Xabi Alonso looks set to be unavailable to Vicente del Bosque side. He sustained an ankle knock during the final group fixture against Chile and is struggling to be fit in time for the match. Javi Martinez will once again start should he misses out. They will also be without Real Madrid centre-half Raul Albiol, who is suffering with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Portugal will welcome Deco back into their starting lineup for this do or die encounter. He missed the final two fixtures of the group stages with a hip injury but is now fit and ready to go. Deco's return is a good welcome as fellow playmaker Danny is missing with a thigh injury.
Ruben Amorim is struggling with a thigh injury as well and will be out of this match.
Take Spain to win and make it to the last eight.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Spain 1-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Spain to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Spain and give the 1/2 ball here.
