World Football News: Portugal vs. Spain – Preview
The two European giants are to collide today in Benefica, the home ground of Portugal as the World Champions Spain are going to face Portugal again after the FIFA World Cup 2010; however, this time it is going to be a friendly encounter.
The match is basically taking place in order to enhance the idea of Spain and Portugal’s bid of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2018. With England also in the run of the same place, the Three Lions are hosting France at Wembley while the Portuguese
side are ready to host the best team in the world, Spain.
Both the teams came head to head during the FIFA World Cup 2010 when the Spanish side had to face Portugal in a pre quarter final match. The Portuguese were expected to do wonders as their defence was simply extraordinary throughout the
FIFA World Cup 2010’s campaign and they didn’t even let the Brazilians score; however, the Spaniards’ tiki-taka style of play came in handy as a wonderful ball from Xavi Hernandez found David Villa right in front of the goal and the Spanish striker made no
mistake in planting the ball into the net.
With the Portuguese losing from the Spanish side that day, it was definitely not a good day for them; however, the Spaniards went on to face teams like Paraguay, Germany and Netherlands and they were able to triumph against all these nations
as they were crowned World Champions after winning each and every match.
Even though Vicente Del Bosque’s side did not score too many goals during the tournament, they did not really concede many either. It was for the first time that a team won the tournament by conceding only two goals and not scoring many
either. However, the Spaniards did manage to impress with the amount of talent they brought to the FIFA World Cup 2010.
With the Spanish side being in full stride lately and winning all the games after the FIFA World Cup 2010 besides the friendly game against Argentina, their coach Vicente Del Bosque is definitely going to play his best team. On the other
hand, the Portuguese are going to give their best as well as their new coach Paulo Bento is going to try and do wonders with his new team as well.
The player who was not included in the Portuguese squad during the FIFA World Cup 2010 was Nani. The Manchester United youngster was expected to do wonders while being a part of the Portuguese side but the young winger suffered an injury
which ruled him out of the tournament. He is definitely going to feature tonight on the wing alongside the in-form former Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo who is also the captain of the team. Everyone is going to be watching him during the game
because he is always expected to make something out of nothing.
On the other hand, the Spaniards are going to welcome back their midfield magician Xavi Hernandez and his only replacement Cesc Fabregas on the bench. The Manchester City wonder-man David Silva is expected to start as well as Pedro Rodriguez
who has been on and off previously. Andres Iniesta is also going to be a part of this memorable game alongside the Spanish captain Iker Casillas who is going to feature as a goalkeeper.
What is going to be the end result? Only time can tell but the game is definitely not going to be as friendly as it sounds.
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