Second Round: Spain vs Portugal

Those expecting a free flowing game of football are likely to be very disappointed. Spain will do their bit and try to play an attractive attacking game but Portugal will shut up shop and place nine or ten men behind the ball. Spain won their final two matches in unimpressive fashion after their loss to Switzerland and will be looking for a drastic improvement on the opening three games. Xabi Alonso may be missing though Cesc Fabregas should slot in seamlessly. Andres Iniesta is a key player for the Spanish and he looks like returning to form which should be a huge boost to the side.

Portugal used to be all about attack too but their new way of playing involves stifling the opposition and hitting them on the break using the pace of Cristiano Ronaldo. They were poor against Ivory Coast, only barely getting a draw before their 7-0 rout of North Korea effectively booked their place in the last 16. Their lack of courage against Brazil was startling. Brazil rested some players and didn’t play well yet Portugal were scared to attack them.

If Portugal concede possession to Spain and don’t attack all that often, then they won’t be able to take advantage of Spanish defensive lapses. Spain may well get back into form and giving them the lion’s share of the ball is a recipe for disaster. Portugal may frustrate Spain initially and are $4.33 to win in normal time, but Spain at $2.10 will eventually break them down. And once Portugal are breached, they will have to attack and will leave themselves open for further Spanish counters.