Portugal vs. Spain Betting Odds Preview, World Cup 2018 Prediction, Analysis

A pair of European powerhouses clash in Friday's World Cup Group B matchup between Portugal and Spain at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi, Russia. Spain has gone undefeated since making an early exit from Euro 2016 with consecutive losses to Croatia and Italy but has been forced to settle for draws in three of five friendly outings ahead of this year's tournament.

Meanwhile, Portugal has emerged as a force at recent events, picking up its first-ever major tournament victory at Euro 2016 after reaching the semifinals four years earlier and also advancing to the semifinals at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. However, Portugal has advanced past the group stage just twice in their past five FIFA World Cup appearances.

World Cup betting line: Spain opened as a -106 favorite (wager $106 to win $100); the total is at two goals, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

World Cup betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 1.6-1.5, Portugal (2018 World Cup picks on every game)

Check out the OddsShark FC podcast at OddsSharkFC.libsyn.com for more odds information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week's top World Cup betting news.

Portugal vs. Spain World Cup matchup analysis

Friday's Group B clash marks the first meeting between these Iberian rivals since the semifinals of Euro 2012. After the two sides played to a scoreless draw through 120 minutes, Spain eked out a narrow 4-2 win on penalties to continue its march to a second straight European title.

Portugal tallied a 4-0 win over Spain in a 2010 friendly, but the Spaniards prevailed in their only previous meeting at the World Cup, a 1-0 win in the round of 16 in 2010. This time around, it is Portugal entering the tournament as European champion and Spain seeking redemption after failing to advance from the group stage four years ago. However, Portugal must overcome a 0-0-4 record in their past four World Cup dates with European opponents.

With these two sides sitting atop the Group B odds, this matchup brings on added importance, with the winner likely to emerge as the favorite to finish atop the Group B table and earn a favorable round of 16 matchup with the second-place finisher in Group A.

All 2018 World Cup odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.