Verdict: Spain W to win both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Both getting their respective European Championship campaigns underway on Thursday night, Spain and Portugal will meet at the Stadion Wankdorf.
Spain W
Starting with Spain, crowned world champions in the summer of 2023, Spain have only gone from strength to strength as they continue to underline their status as the greatest women’s side from across the globe. Last seen in competitive action claiming an impressive 2-1 victory against England, La Roja open their European adventure on Thursday night pencilled in as the standout title contender. Signing off their summer preparations with a routine 3-1 win against Japan last week, Montserrat Tome’s side find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, the reigning world champions have won their previous five appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 21-6.
Spain W Team News
In a squad that is glittering with a stacked list of superstar names, double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas will steal plenty of the headlines this summer. Likewise, all of Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Laia Aleixandri, Irene Paredes, Esther Gonzalez will feature on Thursday night.
However, two mainstays of Spain’s dominance over recent times, both Tere Abelleira and Laia Codina will miss out this summer after picking up respective injuries.
Portugal W
As for Portugal, while La Roja might open their European campaign riding a major wave of momentum, the same can’t be said for Francisco Neto’s camp. Losing their Nations League top-flight status last month, the Navegadoras have rightfully come under a tremendous amount of scrutiny. Last seen in competitive action getting hit with a routine 3-0 defeat at home against Belgium, they lost each of their final four League A appearances by an aggregate score of 20-3. Along with a 6-0 hammering against England on May 30th, Portugal will also be concerned by their most recent showdown against Thursday’s opponents. Hit with a woeful 7-1 drumming when they last met Spain at the start of April, Neto’s downbeat squad couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here.
Portugal W Team News
In what is a real blow for Portugal this summer, veteran striker Carolina Mendes will miss out through injury. However, despite dealing with a reported ankle issue last month, Barcelona’s Kika Nazareth has been included and could make a first appearance since March.
Now officially Portugal’s third all-time leading goalscorer, Diana Silva will play a leading role in the final third and shoulder plenty of Neto’s attacking threat.
Spain W vs Portugal W Key Factors to Consider
- When Spain and Portugal last met back on April 8th, La Roja stormed their way to a sensational 7-1 victory.
- In fact, Spain have won all of their five historic meetings across all competitions by an aggregate score of 19-4.
- Along with winning all of their last five appearances, the reigning world champions have won eight of their prevues nine outings across all formats.
- Portugal have lost their last four competitive appearances by an aggregate score of 20-3.
- Spain have recorded at least a pair of strikes in eight of their last nine outings.
Conclusion
Getting their European Championship adventure underway on Thursday night pencilled in as a landslide title contender, Spain will be looking to lay down an early statement of intent. Getting proceedings underway in Germany riding a sensational wave of momentum, the reigning world champions will certainly be smelling a golden opportunity here. Landing a remarkable 7-1 victory when they last met Portugal back on April 8th, Spain do hold a dominant record against Thursday’s opponents. In fact, winning all of their five historic battles by an aggregate score of 19-4, the European icons are a formidable force.
Verdict: Spain W to win both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
