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Spain vs Portugal – (2nd Round, Tuesday 7.30pm)

Now in theory, this clash of Spain vs Portugal should be a great game given the talent within both teams & the potential is definitely there for this to be the defining game of the tournament in terms of goals & flair but the reality could well be very different.

The truth is, Spain & Portugal will view this as a must not lose game & this could well develop into being a very tight, cagey affair with possession key alongside team organisation & defensive structure and that particularly applies to Portugal who have an excellent defensive record in the last few years.

We are not saying this will be a negative game because they players on show are too good for that, but the intense pressure of the situation could well mean the football played is more controlled, structured & not as free flowing as we would hope.

Spain always look to try to play positive, attacking football and we do expect them to take the game to Portugal & indeed Portugal have the capabilities to respond but given how Portugal have played in the last few years under Carlos Queiroz, then we expect Portugal to set up to be hard to beat first, flair second.

Portugal have hardly conceded any goals in the last few years & none so far at this World Cup, with the shut-out against Brazil showing they can do it against the very best so we again expect them to make it a real test for Spain to break through.

For those that believe Portugal have the capabilities to win the game then the odds of 10/3 are certainly tempting enough & indeed a scoring draw was also a very tempting option but if one player is going to unlock Portugal it could well be David Villa & we are taking him to inspire Spain to edge through this one.

Betting Recommendations:
Outright Match Result: Spain to win
Correct Score options: Spain to win 1-0/2-0
First Goalscorer each way/Player to score anytime: Villa/Iniesta/Silva
Scorecast options: Villa/Iniesta/Silva score 1st & Spain win 1-0/2-0
Double Result: DRAW H/T & SPAIN F/T