Portugal v Spain

Friday 15th June – 7pm

Match Odds: Portugal 7/2, Draw 12/5, Spain 19/20

Expected Penalty Takers: Portugal - Ronaldo, Spain – David Silva or Sergio Ramos

If the World Cup has taken a little while to get going over the first three games, then it explodes on Friday night with an absolute barn-stormer of a match in Portugal v Spain. This is the game that decides Group B, so do not miss it whatever you do.

Spain have been talked up as potential champions, and that’s hardly a surprise. Champions in 2010, they also finished 2nd in the Confederations Cup in 2013 and won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012. Portugal aren’t far behind – they won Euro 2016 and reached the semi-finals in 2012. They also finally have a partner worth talking about for Cristiano Ronaldo in the shape of Andre Silva – a man who scored nine goals in 10 appearances in qualifying.

Spain are rightfully favourites here, but like we argued in our Group’s piece – perhaps not by as much as the odds suggest, with the industry now in agreement they are odds-on favourites to collect maximum points. Their slick passing will open up chances, but it’s hard to call the man who will really score the goals to lead them to convincing victories, and as good as the possession is, it won’t always lead to results.

Ronaldo looks to have primed himself well to peak at the right time – something he appears to have mastered over the last couple of seasons, and any side with him available have to have a punchers chance in any match. You won't often get 12/5 on Ronaldo scoring in a match, but that's what Uni Bet offer here and that looks too long in our eyes despite the calibre of defence he's up against.

For me, the most likely outcome on the match result looks the draw – not bad with it on offer at 12/5. The pair drew 0-0 in the 2012 European Championships – the most recent meeting between the pair. When Spain win, they tend to do so without conceding, and despite some good performances against top sides (see the 6-1 defeat of Argentina in February), a draw would probably be enough for both teams and get them off to a decent enough start.

1pt Ronaldo to score at Anytime at 12/5 (UniBet)

1pt Match to be a draw at 12/5 (General)

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