talkSPORT tips – Best football bets and expert advice for Monday 6 July

The World Cup’s last 16 is in progress and Monday’s feature contest brings together Iberian neighbours Spain and Portugal in Arlington, Texas.

Cristiano Ronaldo and company were fortunate to get the best of Croatia in the last 32, while Spain were imperious in dispatching Austria.

Co-hosts the USA also face a fortuitous survivor in Belgium as the Stars and Stripes descend on Seattle.

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Monday football tips

Spain and Portugal to draw @ 13/5

Neighbours Spain and Portugal meet for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. This is the third time these rivals have clashed in a major tournament.

Spain eliminated their nearest neighbours 1-0 in the last 16 at the 2010 World Cup en route to lifting the trophy, while they claimed a penalty shootout win in a Euro 2012 semi-final, also on their way to tournament glory.

Most recently, a 3-3 draw in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup saw Ronaldo score a hat-trick, twice putting his side in front but ultimately needing a late leveller for the point.

Spain dominated Austria in the first knockout round, winning 3-0 without engaging top gear. Portugal, by contrast, went through the wringer as they came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 when surviving a controversial late VAR call.

Six of the last seven meetings have been level after 90 minutes, with Spain edging a Nations League game in Braga in September 2022 in the only exception. They may go beyond regulation time again before finding a winner.

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USA to win, Ricardo Pepi 2+ Shots on Target & Kevin De Bruyne 1+ Shots on Target @ 35/4

The USA are riding the crest of a wave and look to have a favourable last 16 draw against Belgium.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have scored at least two goals in all four games and were deserving winners against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32.

Belgium were all set for the exit door after a dismal performance against Senegal before two goals in three minutes near the end turned the game towards extra-time. There, the Red Devils gained a fortuitous late penalty after a lengthy VAR review.

Belgium’s efforts in the group stage against Egypt and Iran were laboured and it was similar against Senegal, with moments of confrontation among their own players when the writing appeared to be on the wall.

Kevin De Bruyne was subbed off in that contest and surely thought his World Cup career was over. He’s had 18 shots at goal in four games and can land one on target here.

With Folarin Balogun suspended for the US, Ricardo Pepi should start and the PSV forward can hit a couple of shots on target.

Acca

Christian Pulisic & Mikel Oyarzabal First Goalscorer Double @ 28/1

With Balogun suspended, the USA will be hoping talisman Christian Pulisic can step up. He’s had a quiet tournament to this point, though he did have one assist in the opening win against Paraguay.

He was on the scoresheet in May’s friendly win over Senegal and his record of 33 goals in 89 games for the USMNT suggests he may well fill the void. The set-piece specialist could be the man to break the deadlock against Belgium.

Mikel Oyarzabal took his World Cup tally to four with a double against Austria, including the opening goal. The Real Sociedad forward now has 24 goal contributions (scored 17, seven assists) in his 16 starts for Spain and is oozing confidence in front of goal in a team creating lots of chances.

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