Portugal vs Spain – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 15 June 2018

Neighbours Portugal and Spain are yet to meet in this year’s FIFA World Cup after falling in the same group with Morocco and Iran during the draw held sometime back in Moscow. Portugal v Spain tip comes as Portugal, which was the best team in the UEFA Group B seeks to make it to the 7th final appearance as the tournament kicks off this coming June. On the other hand, Spain, which advanced from the qualifiers after they became the Group G winners, will be looking to reminiscence the winning spirit, dating back to 2010.

Portugal Probable Lineups and Stats

Portugal will be seeking to improve their 3rd position in the FIFA rankings by bringing in an outstanding performance during the FIFA World Cup in Russia later in the year. It is due to this that Fernando Santos will not be taking any chances with the squad. Portugal’s probable lineup will definitely have Cristiano Ronaldo, their captain, and playmaker, perhaps the best player in the world. Santos definitely knows that more goals and team’s stability is ascertained by Cristiano’s presence.

Ronaldo’s choice comes after he helped Portugal consolidate the Group B win during the qualifiers. Ronaldo has 11 goals, just 2 shy of the World Cup qualifying record. Andre Silva plays a critical role, perhaps among the top scorers for the Portuguese side with 7 goals internationally. Supporting Cristiano’s quest at the forefront will include Nani, Nelson Olivera, Batalha Martins, Ricardo Quaresma and Bruma. A steady midfield is the duty of Danilo, Carvalho, Andre Da Silva, Rodrigues, Renato Sanches, Joao Mario, Ricardo and Cabral Semedo among others.

Pepe will most likely lead Portugal’s defense alongside Neto, Antunes, Cancelo, Soares, Alves, and Eliseu. Rui Patricio, who has displayed a good stance across all games assisted by Anthony Lopes and Antonio Pimparel, will man the posts. To prove their Europe reign, Portugal will be seeking to better their results internationally, their best coming in 1966 World Cup where they finished third, reached the semi-finals in 2006 and failed to manage through the group phase in 2014 Brazil World Cup

Spain Probable Lineups and Stats

Spain, currently ranked 11th internationally, will be looking to bring up the 2010 winning spirits of being world champions. Spain will also be looking to redeem its rank, bearing in mind that it ranked the first from 2008 to 2013. Julen Lopetegui made dramatic changes with the World Cup qualifiers squad, dropping big names for the team. 12 internationals, including two Chelsea and Manchester United players, were snubbed.

Perhaps the key player in this team will be Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder Isco, who has been in great form during the qualifying rounds, scoring 6 goals with one assist in seven matches. Marco Asensio, Thiago Alcantara, Koke, David Silva, Pedro, Herera, Juan Mata, Vitolo, Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas could team up with Isco in the midfield. The attacking front will be possible lead by Alvaro Morata, Aduriz, Sudo, David Villa, Rodrigo, and Vazquez.

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, Gerald Pique, Alvaro Arzallus, Sergio Ramos, Alberto Moreno, Jordi Alba, Nacho Montreal, Carvajal, and Azpilicueta are Lopetegui’s favorites for a compact defense. Manchester United’s David De Gea will no doubt be between the posts, as he seeks to extend his best performance internationally. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Pepe Reina could be Dave’s backup keepers.

Portugal v Spain – Head To Head

Portugal have been pitched against Spain 36 times in all competitions. Of all the games, Portugal has won only 6 times, drawn 12 times and lost 18 times to Spain. Of the 30 international friendly matches, Portugal have managed to win only 5 games. The teams have drawn 11 times as Spain won the remaining 14 matches. The teams have met three times in the European Championships competitions, with Spain winning one game and two draws.

Portugal and Spain met in the 1934 World Cup qualification at home and away. Spain won both games, defeating Portugal 9-0 in the first match and 2-1 in the return match. They also met in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa where Spain were the favorites, winning 1-0. Their next meeting will be on 15th June this year for the coming World Cup games.

Expert Tip

If the current statistics are anything to go by, Portugal will be facing a tough opponent come the 15th June as they campaign to be the best team in the world. However, taking into consideration the current form of Portugal’s players in their respective teams, Spain will also have to work hard for it. Nonetheless, they are a favourite to win this game. When it comes to probable goals, Spain has the best goalkeeper in the world. On the other side, Portugal has the best striker too. The tie-breaker falls back to individual team’s organization and quality of the game.

In all their previous encounters, the most goals scored was 9 by Spain. All other games have ended in 1-1 draws or seemingly few goals. Certainly, nothing much different should be anticipated this year. Few goals, with an estimated maximum of 3 or 4 goals could be scored.

Interesting Facts and Information

  • Spain haven’t lost in their last 20 games.
  • Portugal wins 1st half in 43% of their games, Spain in 70% of their games.
  • Portugal wins 43% of halftimes, Spain wins 70%.
  • Spain’s recent performance is better than Portugal’s.
  • In the last 5 meetings Portugal won 2, Spain won 3, 0 draws.
  • The winner of their last meeting was Spain.
  • On their last meeting, Spain won by 2 goals.
  • Portugal scores 1 goals in a match against Spain and Spain scores 0.8 goals against Portugal (in average).
  • Portugal scores 2 goals when playing at home and Spain scores 3.25 goals when playing away (in average).
  • The average number of goals in games between Portugal and Spain is 1.8.
  • When Portugal leads 1-0 at home, they win in 66% of their games.
  • When Spain leads 0-1 away, they win in 50% of their games.
  • When Portugal is down 0-1 home, they win 40% of their games.
  • The average number of goals in the first half in meetings between Portugal and Spain is 0.4.
  • Both teams didn’t concede on their last game.
  • Spain have scored at least one goal for 20 consecutive games.
  • During the last 6 meetings, Portugal have won 2 times, there have been 2 draws while Spain have won 2 times. The goal difference is 6-5 in favour of Portugal.

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