Football. ua presents to your attention the preview of the B match between Portugal and Spain.
Group B, 1st round, Friday, June 15, 21:00. Fisht, Sochi. Arbitrator - Gianluca Rocchi. Broadcasting the match on Inter.
The second game day at the World Cup will end with a duel of the favorites of the quartet B, which can be called one of the central matches in the entire group stage.
The current champions of Europe - the Portuguese will meet with the previous owners of the European crown - the Spaniards, which in itself is a very loud sign. Whether teams are waiting for the fans' expectations for a bright game is unknown, but the uncompromising struggle between geographic neighbors and historical football rivals is guaranteed.
About the fact that a very interesting match awaits us and the compositions of the groups, in each of which are full of masters of extra class. The main star on both teams, of course, is Cristiano Ronaldo, which is traditionally hoped all of Portugal, and from which the headache to the coaching staff and players of the opponent. Real Madrid striker in a fight with the Spaniards will really depend a lot, but do not forget that on the other side of the barricades is his teammate Sergio Ramos, able to stop any striker. In a duet with another titanium defensive line Gerard Piquet, they may well not allow Ronaldo to turn around, because it is very important that at the right time, the Portuguese could get other players.
The biggest attacking potential in the "European Brazilians", in addition to Cristiano, is Bernard Silva, who held a qualitative first season in Manchester City, and Goncalo Gedes, whose Spanish campaign 2017/2018 in Valencia can be called brilliant.
In the defense of the national team of Portugal are experienced Pepe and Bruno Alves, with whom the team demonstrated an incredibly reliable game on the winning Euro for themselves, conceding only one ball to the playoffs.
As for Spain, this team has an even more impressive selection of performers. Here at every position stands a superstar of world scale, from the magnificent David De Gea at the gate and ending with Isco, David Silva and Diego Costa in the attack. On paper, "Fury Rocha" has an advantage over Portugal, but this team has some obvious problems. Firstly, it is worth mentioning the change of coach. Long to dwell on this there is no sense, since Lopetega's departure in recent days was very actively discussed and there is simply nothing to add, as it is not known how the appointment of Fernando Hierro will affect the team. Obviously, Spain will act according to Lopetega's achievements, but the new coach is still new solutions that at some point can become key both in the positive and in the negative direction. In what psychological state is the "fury rocha" is also unknown, but all this will show only the reporting match. Note that a slight confusion in the ranks of the Spaniards leaving Lopetega in any case introduced.
Another problem to be solved by the new coach of Spain is the absence of Dani Carvajal. Of course, it is likely that the defender will be able to enter the field in the match against the Portuguese, but it is unlikely that the coaching staff will risk the health of the player. Most likely, the place of the right lateral will be taken by the technical and speedy bek of Sociedad Alvaro Audriosola, but at the same time, Hierro may prefer reliability and experience in this position and close it with the defender of Real Madrid Nacho.
Given the unstable psychological state of the Spanish national team and the traditionally high degree of confrontation between the "Furies Roja" and Portugal, it is difficult to imagine how this fight will eventually develop. Obviously, Spain in its corporate style will take the ball under control and will attack positively, while the Portuguese will rely on the speed of their legs, the sharpness of the counterattacks, and, of course, the bombardier talent Cristiano Ronaldo.
Approximate compositions:.
Portugal: Rui Patriciu - Suares, Pepe, Alves, Guerreiro - B. Silva, Carvalho, Joao Mariou, Gedesh - Andre Silva, Ronaldo Spain: De Gea - Odriosola, Piquet, Ramos, Jordi Alba - Busquets, Alcantara - David Silva, Isco, Iniesta - Costa In doubt: Carvajal Injured: no Interesting facts:.
This will be the 36th meeting between these teams in all tournaments, given friendlies. Spain has 16 victories in its account, while the Portuguese celebrated their triumph only 6 times.
Portugal won in the last 9 official matches.
Spain did not miss out on 6 of the 8 official matches, Portugal - in 5 of 6.
Portugal scored at least two goals in the last 8 of the 9 official matches.
Coaches say:.
Fernando Santos - Portugal:.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is an outstanding football player and a wonderful captain, but Portugal's main strength is that we are a team, not an appendix to one star. As for the Spanish team, I do not think that the change of coach will somehow weaken the team.
Spain - one of the favorites of the World Cup, but also the Spaniards have their weaknesses. What kind? I will not disclose my secrets ".
Fernando Hierro - Spain:.
"We have great respect for our rival. Portugal has one of the strongest teams among the participants in the mundialya and the most experienced coach. However, we are confident that we can win. We have to play a match that would be worthy of the final. And in it everyone will see the usual Spanish team, ready for victories in any tournament ".
forecast 1: 2.