Yet another interesting friendly game this Wednesday between two neighbors, Portugal and Spain.
Spanish manager Vicente del Bosque, recalled Fernando Torres from Liverpool, as well as Xavi Hernandez from Barcelona for this game, after they both missed the last two games of the Spanish team against Lithuania won with 3:1 and against Scotland won with 3:2,due to injuries.
After winning the World Cup 2010 final, Spain played several friendlies away from home, against Mexico (draw 1:1) and against Argentina (loss 1:4). In the qualifications for Euro 2012 however the team has been perfect winning all of their games with at least 3 goals scored each game.
Spain also met Portugal recently in the Round of 16 in World Cup 2010, where they have won the game with the minimal 1:0.
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Portugal on the other hand started the Euro 2012 qualifications awfully with a tie at home against Cyprus 4:4, and a loss against Norway away with 0:1. Carlos Queiroz was sacked and Paulo Bento stepped in.
Under his command Portugal got back on the right track or so it seems after their first two games both won with 3:1 against Denmark at home and Iceland away.
This might be a real challenge for Bento as his team will face virtually the same Spanish team that won the World Cup, except that Jesus Navas will be missing because of an injury. Bento has called for this game Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
This match is a bit more special than the other friendlies on Wednesday, since it will be used to promote the Portugal and Spain’s joint-bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as well as to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Portuguese Republic.
Both teams have met twice in friendly games, once here in Portugal back in 2003, when the host lost with 0:3, and once in Spain in 2001 when the game ended as a tie.
Due to the purpose of this game, I expect both teams to show us a great show, but in the same time to aim at the draw game as it would be a strange way to promote a joint-bid if either team loses or a 100th anniversary if Portugal loses, at least that’s the way I see things.
Recommended Bet:
Draw @ 3.25
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