Spain begin their quest for World Cup glory when they take on Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday evening.
Following their emphatic Euro 2024 triumph a couple of years ago, Spain are among the bookmakers’ leading contenders to lift the World Cup for a second time this summer.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have been placed in a relatively favourable group, where they will face Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and opening opponents Cape Verde.
The Spanish warmed up for this clash with a 3-1 victory over Peru earlier this week.
As for Cape Verde, they will be making their World Cup debut after securing qualification for the first time in their history, finishing above Cameroon in a remarkable campaign.
Pedro Brito’s side could hardly have been handed a more difficult opener against star-studded Spain, but they will be targeting points in their subsequent fixtures against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
How the bookies view it: Spain on easy street
It is little surprise to see Spain installed as heavy 1/12 favourites with bet365 for this Group H curtain-raiser.
Cape Verde are massive 20/1 outsiders with bet365 to spring a shock on their World Cup debut, while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 12/1.
Head to head: History book blank
Cape Verde’s maiden World Cup appearance, combined with the continental divide between the sides, means Monday’s fixture will be the first time the pair have ever crossed paths.
Players to watch: Oyarzabal on song
Three of Mikel Oyarzabal’s 25 Spain goals have come in his last two outings, but he is as short as 8/13 with bet365 to score on Monday evening. A better angle may be backing the Spanish forward to register a goal or assist alongside BTTS No at even-money.
Dailon Livramento was Cape Verde’s standout performer in qualification, netting a number of important goals. He is available at 6/1 with bet365 for an anytime strike here, which looks a touch of value.
Predicted line-ups
Lamine Yamal is available for selection, though Spain may opt to ease their young star into the tournament after he missed the closing stages of the season with Barcelona through injury.
Logan Costa is back in contention for Cape Verde after missing much of last season with injury at Villarreal.
Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Ruiz; Torres, Oyarzabal, Williams
Cape Verde: Vozinha; Moreira, Costa, Lopes, Stopira; Deroy Duarte, Monteiro; Rodrigues, Jamiro, Cabral; Mendes
Anything else catch the eye?
In a game where finding value could prove tricky, backing Spain in the half-time/full-time market alongside 1-5 total goals appeals at 7/10 with bet365.
An alternative angle worth considering at a bigger price is Cape Verde not to win a single corner at 4/1 with bet365.
Spain didn’t concede a corner in World Cup qualifiers with both Bulgaria and Georgia, and given the clear gulf in class between the two sides, a repeat here could be worth some loose change.
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