SPAIN VS PORTUGAL PREDICTIONS AND WORLD CUP 2010 BETTING TIPS

You can't argue that this isn't one of the juiciest matches in the entirety of the 2010 World Cup. These two massive rivals will be anything but neighbourly as they battle it out for a spot in the elite 8 of the World Cup.  

Portugal have been underwhelming in this tournament and, thanks to some wretched performances from the two members of their group, they were able to progress despite the only real highlight being a 7-0 hiding of North Korea. Portugal really need a big performance, but they'll be buoyed by the fact that Spain have looked beatable at times. 
I don't think this one boils down to who scores first or second, I think this is a match of key moments. There will probably be about four or five big mistakes in this match and whoever capitalizes on those moments will be the ones to win the match. I can see this going in either direction, but when you boil the match down to outright quality and depth, you have to go with Spain. 
Cristiano Ronaldo has had an underwhelming tournament just like many of the big names coming in. He's got plenty to prove and there are few stages bigger than this one. He's certainly got the potential to be a major factor here, but the new ball seems to have nullified his free kick prowess. Cristiano enjoys the big moments though and he will be looking to step up here. 
You'll find Spain trading at even money to win the match in 90 minutes and I think that's as good a price as Spanish fans will find. The draw is listed at 3.2 while Portugal can be backed to win in 90 minutes at a 4.0 price. Great odds all around in what should be a very tight fixture. 
In regards to the odds for outright qualification for the next round, Spain are priced at 1.4 while Portugal are listed at a 2.75 margin. 
The bookmakers clearly don't favour goals in this one with popular UK bookmaker Ladbrokes pricing under 2.5 goals at a 1.5 margin while over 2.5 goals pays an appropriate 2.5 price. This is a game that could see a flurry of quick goals at any point. Once one side has to start pushing forward and going for the win, that's likely when we'll see them start to hit the back of the net. 
Big fans of Spain who think they will rout Portugal can back Spain on a (-1.0) handicap at a 3.8 price while Portugal (+1.0) is listed at 1.72. The draw is priced at 3.5 on the handicap.