Tipster Wizard's World Cup Bet Builder Tips for Portugal vs Spain

Bet Builder 1 - 1pt

1st selection: Bruno Fernandes 1+ Fouls Won

Bruno Fernandes remains the creative heartbeat of Portugal's midfield, dictating the tempo while constantly looking to receive possession in congested areas. His excellent first touch, close control and ability to shield the ball regularly force opponents into mistimed challenges, making him one of Portugal's most reliable foul winners.

The Manchester United midfielder has won 2, 2, 1 and 2 fouls across Portugal's four World Cup matches so far, producing a remarkably consistent return. This also looks like a favourable stylistic matchup, with Spain pressing aggressively across the pitch and looking to regain possession quickly whenever they lose the ball. That intensity should create plenty of situations where Bruno is challenged as he looks to progress play, and another foul won looks highly achievable.

2nd Selection: Joao Neves 2+ Tackles

João Neves has developed into one of Portugal's most industrious midfielders, averaging 2.14 tackles per 90 minutes across his last 20 international appearances. He has already recorded nine tackles in four World Cup matches, highlighting both his consistency and defensive importance.

This fixture has the potential to elevate those numbers even further. Opponents facing Spain have registered 18, 15, 25 and 16 tackles during this tournament, largely due to Spain's dominance of possession and the technical quality of players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Álex Baena, who constantly invite defensive actions. Neves thrives in these types of contests, pressing aggressively and covering huge areas of the pitch. After producing five tackles against Croatia in the previous round, he should once again have plenty of opportunities to reach at least two tackles.

3rd Selection: Spain or draw Double Chance

While Portugal have reached the knockout stages unbeaten, their performances have been far less convincing than the results suggest. They have often looked vulnerable defensively, allowing opponents to create quality chances, with Diogo Costa producing several outstanding saves, particularly against Croatia to preserve their progress.

Spain, by contrast, have arguably been the standout team of the tournament. They currently rank as the competition's strongest defensive side based on expected goals on target conceded (xGOT) and are yet to concede a single goal. Their 3-0 victory over Austria was another composed, dominant display that showcased both their defensive solidity and attacking quality.

With Spain controlling games so effectively and looking extremely difficult to break down, they appear the more reliable side heading into this all important clash. Backing Spain or Draw provides valuable security while aligning with the performances both teams have produced throughout the tournament.

Bet Builder 2 - 0.25pts

Best odds of 7/1 at bet365 while publishing.

Leg 1: Bruno Fernandes 2+ Fouls Won

Leg 2: Joao Neves 3+ Tackles

Leg 3: Spain Win

Worth backing higher lines on all 3 selections at an attractive price too.