TOURNAMENT: 138-108-10 (BIG PLAY: 48-34-8)
I am going to start my thread and then head back after my appointment which is in 30 minutes. Really sucks about the Moroccans not being able to score, they actually had very few chances and played a game that I think was more focused on not losing, than winning. As we know in sports, when you play like that, you are already losing. Not having Saibari on the field really hurt them but not having an 11 playing was the real issue. Not sure they would have done much different against the French, but couldn't have been worse.
Today's game is in my opinion a similar assessment based on the notion that Spain will most likely control possession (even though I know in the end it was Morocco who strangely had more possession) and the Belgians will want to counter. The Spanish have OWNED the Belgians though they have only played once since 2010. To add to what the Belgians are up against, the Spanish coach, de la Fuente, could become just the third boss of a European nation to advance from each of his first seven knockout ties at a major tournament.
At the same time, the Belgians are looking to advance to the semis for the first time since the 2018 World Cup when they also beat the USA to advance to a game against Brazil which they won. But I'm afraid that the Belgians have some of the same names on their team now that they had then and that isn't great b/c those aging players will struggle with the pace and possession of Spain.
Belgium have had plenty of shots in the tournament but outside of last game against the USA, have not had a ton to show for it. Let's also not forget that they were gifted 2 goals by USA mistakes, while the Spanish are yet to even ALLOW a goal all tournament. I do think the Belgian attack is really solid, but certainly not more so than that of the Portuguese whom the Spanish also silenced.
SPAIN FH (+120)...BIG PLAY!!!: I'm personally hammering this even though we didn't get this over the finish line yesterday, we had a missed penalty to blame. Same for Argentina some days earlier. What gives me confidence here is that the Spanish did NOT win their last FH (vs. Portugal) and have led at half-time in 11 of their last 12 regulation-time victories.
SPAIN TT OVER 1.5 (-155)...BIG PLAY!!!: Much like yesterday, I played this earlier at a lower clip. Seems like this is increasing in price but I don't see how the Spaniards don't come out more motivated than last game and capitalize on opportunities to get the ball past Courtois. Sucks it's juiced so high.
SPAIN -1 (+100): Might bump this up but this is a REGULATION PLAY so if it goes to added time I will lose. But I personally don't see that happening and I personally don't see Belgium advancing.
I'll be back shortly but wanted to post theses so I'm not rushed when I get back. Hoping everyone is having a strong week. As always, tail or fade, good luck to all...
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