France will try to keep its unbeaten run alive as Spain tries to end another streak Sunday when the teams face off in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final in Milan, Italy. Les Bleus are unbeaten in their last 15 matches (9-6-0), including a thrilling 3-2 victory against Belgium in Thursday's semifinal. But Spain ended Italy's record 37-game unbeaten streak the previous day in its semifinal. This is the first competitive match between the teams since a World Cup qualifier in March 2013 that ended in a 1-0 Spain victory. Spain is expected to hold the ball for long stretches, but France has attackers who are deadly on the counter-attack.
Kickoff is set for 2:45 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists France as the +150 favorite (risk $100 to win $150) in its latest Spain vs. France odds, with Spain the +200 underdog. A draw is priced at +220 and the over-under for total goals scored is set at 2.5. Before making any France vs. Spain picks or 2021 UEFA Nations League predictions, you need to check out what European soccer insider Martin Green has to say.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper. Since then, his European soccer picks have hauled in stunning profits. Green has generated well over $36,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season.
Now, Green has taken a close look at Spain vs. France from every possible angle and just released his coveted picks and analysis. You can visit SportsLine now to see all of Green's expert soccer picks. Here are several odds and trends for France vs. Spain:
- Spain vs. France spread: France -0.5 (+130)
- Spain vs. France over-under: 2.5 goals
- Spain vs. France money line: Spain +200, France +150, Draw +220
- SPA: Mikel Oyarzabal has six goals and an assist in eight La Liga games this year
- FRA: Kylian Mbappe has 161 goals in 238 career club matches in all competitions
Why you should back France
The Belgium match was an emotional affair, and it should unite a team that has been marred by internal tension for months. It was ousted from Euro 2020 early and would love to finish off this run with a trophy. Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe are a dynamic pair, with Mbappe's speed and finishing ability a tough combination for defenses to handle. Benzema is always in position to make a big play, and he has 32 career goals for the national team. Antoine Griezmann has 41, and one more would break a tie with Michel Platini for third on France's all-time scoring list.
Benzema and Mbappe both scored against Belgium, and Griezmann drew the penalty that set up Mbappe's ruthless chance from the spot. Midfielder Paul Pogba also is a key piece for the French, with his energy and creativity sparking the team and setting up chances. He has seven assists in seven games this season at Manchester United, and Adrian Rabiot is a versatile option alongside him.
Why you should back Spain
Spain typically controls the ball for about three-quarters of the match, probing for its chance to strike. It held the ball for 75 percent of the win against Italy. Ferran Torres scored twice in the first half on crosses from Mikel Oyarzabal in that match, and that pair has sparked some life into a Spanish attack that had struggled. A midfield led by captain Sergio Busquets and Koke has been formidable and could find holes in a French defense that looked shaky against Belgium. Spain is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings, keeping Les Bleus off the score sheet in five of them.
The Spaniards will have an extra day of rest and will come in with confidence after ending Italy's record run. The back line is loaded with talent, led by Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta, Villareal's Pau Torres and Man City's Aymeric Laporte. It has looked like a new team since a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in World Cup qualifying last month. That broke a 14-game unbeaten run (6-8-0), and La Roja has outscored its past three opponents 8-1. Goalkeeper Unai Simon is expected to get the nod in net, and he has four clean sheets in six matches with Athletic Bilbao this season.
How to make UEFA Nations League picks for Spain vs. France
Green has broken down Sunday's France vs. Spain match from every angle, and he is leaning over on the goal total. He also has revealed three confident best bets, one with a plus-money return, and has a complete analysis of this UEFA Nations League match. He's only sharing his picks and best bets at SportsLine.
So, who wins Spain vs. France in Sunday's matchup? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the France vs. Spain match, all from the European soccer expert who has generated more than $36,000 for $100 bettors over the past four seasons, and find out.
