Spain’s World Cup path is not easy, but Bo Henriksen is backing them to go deep.
The TV 2 Sport expert believes Luis de la Fuente’s side have enough quality, control and defensive strength to reach the semi-finals, despite a difficult knockout route that begins with Portugal.
If Spain survive that Iberian clash, they will face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Henriksen backs Spain to advance
According to TV 2 Sport, Henriksen has no doubt about Spain’s ability to reach the final four.
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“I have no doubt that Spain will be in the semi-finals,” Henriksen said.
“It will of course be difficult against France there, but Spain are such a good football team, and they are so skilled and well-organised that they will surely play their way to the semi-finals.”
The prediction sets a high bar for Spain, who have looked increasingly stable as the tournament has progressed.
Defensive strength stands out
Spain reached the Round of 16 after beating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32.
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It was not, in Henriksen’s view, a complete attacking display, but it showed why Spain are so difficult to break down.
“They didn’t fully unfold against Austria, but they do enough, and they defend divinely,” Henriksen said.
“Austria had half a chance in the entire match, and that says something about how stable the Spaniards are.”
That defensive platform could become crucial in the next phase, where Spain are expected to face far stronger opposition than Austria.
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A difficult road ahead
According to ESPN’s World Cup bracket, Spain will face Portugal in the Round of 16, while the winner of that tie will meet either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals.
The potential semi-final route is even more demanding.
France, Paraguay, Canada and Morocco are all placed on the opposite side of that section, with France looking like the most obvious heavyweight obstacle if Spain reach that stage.
Henriksen also singled out France as the likely major test, but still sees Spain as strong enough to get there.
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Spain growing at the right time
Spain’s 3-0 win over Austria continued their impressive tournament form and reinforced their reputation as one of the most balanced teams left in the competition.
De la Fuente’s side have not had to rely only on attacking flair. Their organisation, pressing and defensive discipline have been just as important.
That is why Henriksen’s prediction is not based on one standout performance alone.
It is based on the feeling that Spain can control matches even when they are not at their most fluent.
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Portugal will now provide the clearest test yet. If Spain pass it, Henriksen’s semi-final prediction will start to look far more realistic.
