It’s an all-Iberian clash at the
Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town and it could be a lot closer than the
odds suggest. While Spain recovered from a Group H defeat against
Switzerland to top the section, they still look vulnerable
defensively, with Chile creating plenty of first-half chances against
them on Friday before being reduced to ten men.
There’s also a big question mark over
the form (or perhaps fitness) or Fernando Torres, something which
could prove to be a hindrance as the Spanish look to add a world
crown to their European one. Although David Villa has been excellent,
it’s been as a left-sided attacker and he loses impact playing
centrally.
Added to the fact that Portugal haven’t
conceded a goal in this tournament and were the better team against
Brazil in their final Group G game. With Cristiano Ronaldo pulling
the strings, the only downside to Carlos Queiroz’s team is that
they don’t have enough firepower to probably go all the way.
PREDICTION:
PORTUGAL +0.5 @ 1.80 with bet365
Power Rating
Squad (4.5/5)
A wonderfully balanced team, perhaps lacking something in the full-back positions but otherwise as good as any in South Africa.
Squad (3.5/5)
Portugal have on paper some of the finest talent in European football and in Cristiano Ronaldo perhaps the best player the country has ever produced.
Coach (4/5)
There was some doubt that Del Bosque could recapture the magic he wove at Real Madrid. Ten straight victories gave you the answer.
Coach (3/5)
When he took Portugal to their second youth World Cup in 1991, Queiroz looked like one of the great coaches in the making. His career, however, has not quite fulfilled its early promise.
Attack (5/5)
There is probably no better attack in world football than Torres and Villa supported by Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas and Xabi Alonso.
Attack (3.5/5)
With Cristiano Ronaldo to support the out-and-out forwards, Portugal are always capable of scoring. However, they lack formidable specialist strikers.
Defence (4/5)
It is not as feted as the forwards – defences never are - but not to concede a home goal in qualification is an awesome achievement.
Defence (3/5)
Were Bosingwa and Pepe fully match fit, Portugal would score 3.5 out of 5 but these are big losses for any team to deal with.