In their latest World Cup match, Portugal hosted Croatia and secured a 2-1 victory. This win adds to their strong performance in the tournament, keeping them unbeaten.
Match statistics (Portugal vs Croatia):
Possession: 61% – 39%
Corners: 9 – 5
Fouls: 6 – 12
Yellow cards: 1 – 2
Shots on target: 3 – 6
Spain
Team Overview
Spain faced Austria in their most recent World Cup fixture, winning decisively with a score of 3-0. This victory continues their impressive run in the tournament.
Match statistics (Spain vs Austria):
Possession: 65% – 35%
Corners: 9 – 0
Fouls: 8 – 15
Yellow cards: 0 – 1
Shots on target: 10 – 0
Teams Form Analysis
Portugal has shown a solid form in their last ten matches, securing 6 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss. They have scored a total of 8 goals while conceding just 2, averaging 2.0 goals per game and 0.5 goals against per game. In contrast, Spain has also demonstrated strong performance, winning 8 out of their last 10 matches, with a remarkable goal tally of 8 goals scored and none conceded, averaging 2.0 goals per game.
Both teams are entering this match with high confidence, but Portugal's recent draw against Colombia (0-0) may raise some concerns about their attacking efficiency. Spain, on the other hand, comes off a convincing 3-0 victory against Austria, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Statistical Analysis & Influencing Factors
The head-to-head statistics reveal a competitive rivalry, with their last six encounters resulting in 4 draws and 2 wins for Spain. The average goals per game in these matches is 1.67, indicating a tendency for closely contested games. Notably, Portugal has not managed to secure a win against Spain in their last six meetings, which may weigh on their psychological state going into this match.
In terms of discipline, Portugal averages 2.0 yellow cards per match in their head-to-head encounters, while Spain averages 1.33. This suggests that matches between these two teams tend to be physical, which could influence the referee's decisions during the game.
Portugal — Spain Prediction
Exact Score: 1 – 1
1st Half: 0 – 0
Goals (Total): 1 – 1
Corners: 5 – 5
Fouls: 14 – 14
Yellow Cards: 3 – 3
Shots on target: 4 – 4
Offsides: 4 – 4
Possession: 50% – 50%
Tactically, both teams are likely to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on maintaining possession and minimizing risks. Portugal may look to exploit the flanks with quick transitions, while Spain will likely dominate possession, aiming to break down Portugal's defense with intricate passing and movement.
3 Reasons Why the Match Will Be a Draw
Strong Defensive Records: Both teams have demonstrated solid defensive performances, with Spain not conceding any goals in their last four matches.
Historical Draws: The last six encounters have resulted in 4 draws, indicating a pattern of closely matched games.
Recent Form: Both teams are in good form, but Portugal's recent draw may indicate potential vulnerabilities in their attack.