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The FIFA World Cup round of 16 continues on Monday with two heavyweight clashes as Portugal renew their rivalry with Spain before USA take on Belgium for a place in the quarterfinals.
In advance of the action, Opta’s supercomputer has revealed its latest predictions, while Sunday’s results saw England survive a thriller against Mexico, Norway stun Brazil to end Neymar’s international career and FIFA become embroiled in controversy after allowing Folarin Balogun to face Belgium despite his red card.
What is Monday’s schedule?
Portugal vs Spain: Monday, Dallas Stadium, 19:00 GMT
USA vs Belgium: Monday, Seattle Stadium, 00:00 GMT going into Tuesday
What are the predictions for Portugal vs Spain?
Portugal and Spain have shared a fiercely competitive rivalry on the major tournament stage, with their five previous meetings producing just one win apiece and three draws.
Two of those contests remain especially memorable. Their group-stage clash at the 2018 World Cup ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Cristiano Ronaldo producing a stunning hat-trick, while their UEFA Euro 2012 semifinal finished 0-0 before Spain advanced via a penalty shootout.
Opta’s supercomputer makes Spain the favourites for the elimination tie, with Luis de la Fuente’s side emerging victorious in normal time in 49.2 percent of 25,000 pre-match simulations.
Portugal are given a 25.6 percent chance of claiming the win inside 90 minutes, while the remaining 25.2 percent of simulations end level after regulation time, meaning the tie would require extra time and potentially penalties to determine the winners.
Portugal vs Spain
What are the predictions for USA vs Belgium?
After opening their head-to-head history with a 3-0 victory over Belgium at the 1930 World Cup, USA have struggled in this fixture ever since. The Americans have lost each of the last six encounters, conceding an average of 2.5 goals per match during that run.
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The most recent meeting came in an international friendly in March, when Belgium cruised to a convincing 5-2 win on US soil.
According to Opta’s 25,000 pre-match simulations, USA have a 37.2 percent chance of winning in normal time. Belgium are rated only slightly behind with a 36.5 percent probability of victory, while there is a 26.3 percent likelihood that the match remains level after 90 minutes and is decided in extra time or a penalty shootout.
USA vs Belgium
Remaining round of 16 schedule:
Portugal vs Spain: Monday, Dallas Stadium, 19:00 GMT
USA vs Belgium: Monday, Seattle Stadium, 00:00 GMT going into Tuesday
Argentina vs Egypt: Tuesday, Atlanta Stadium, 16:00 GMT
Switzerland vs Colombia: Tuesday, BC Place Vancouver, 20:00 GMT
These are the four teams that have booked their place in the quarterfinals: Morocco vs France AND Norway vs England.
Post By News Desk
