Portugal v Spain Preview and Prediction

Date/time 15 Jun 2018 – 7 PM (GMT)

On Friday night, Iberian neighbours Portugal and Spain go head-to-head in Group B of the World Cup.

The sacking of Spain head coach Julen Lopetegui has overshadowed the run-up to this clash between the pair after the former Porto boss decided to become Real Madrid boss. Former Spain international Fernando Hierro will be in charge in Russia.

Portugal heads into this competition as European champions. The Selecao took their Euro 2016 form into World Cup qualifying, winning nine of their ten group games.

However, Portugal has a poor record at the World Cup, having won just two of their last nine games at the finals.

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Spain’s players have been rocked by the news of Lopetegui’s departure. Reportedly, the players asked for the coach to retain his position, but the Spanish Football Federation decided to sack him anyway.

La Roja will now need to concentrate on football. They were formidable in qualifying, finding the net on 36 occasions while conceding just three times. Lopetegui’s side topped their group ahead of Italy.

Spain head to Russia undefeated in 20 games, while looking to make amends after their terrible displays at World Cup 2014 in Brazil. La Roja failed to make the knockout stages four years ago despite being reigning champions.

Prediction

Draw and/or under 2.5 goals.