The World Cup 2018 is almost here, so it’s no wonder why players and teams are raring to take the pitch and prove themselves on the biggest stage of all.
For one, Spain keeper David de Gea talked about Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal who are drawn in the same group as them. While the Portuguese side is expected to pose the biggest challenge to the Spaniards, De Gea claimed that they are more than ready for the test that awaits.
In other World Cup news, the Belgians made a case on why they are ones to watch in the upcoming event in Russia.
Meanwhile, in the NBA, Kevin Durant raised plenty of eyebrows with his latest statement about being part of the Warriors—a remark that certainly irked his critics!
David de Gea ready to face Cristiano Ronaldo in World Cup
Spain goalkeeper David de Gea knows what to expect when they face Portugal in the World Cup.
La Furia Roja and The Navigators are set to meet each other for their first match in Group B, and De Gea acknowledged the threat their opponents bring with striker Cristiano Ronaldo leading the frontline.
“The first match is always important, and more so when it is against a rival as hard and complicated as Portugal,” De Gea said.
“We have to face the game as we did in the qualifying phase, that is, playing our own game.”
The Manchester United keeper also pointed that the Spain team is “well-studied” about Ronaldo, who he described as “one of the best” football player in the world.
Despite that, however, De Gea expects a difficult match when they play the Portuguese.
“He [Ronaldo] also has a great team behind him, they’re European champions and it will be a tough game,” the 27-year-old furthered.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo hit 26 goals to finish as the second-leading scorer in the La Liga last season. He also helped Real Madrid win the Champions League for the third straight year, bagging 15 markers to lead the scoring in the tournament.
Meanwhile, De Gea won the Premier League Golden Glove for the 2017/18 campaign. He recorded 18 clean sheets to help Manchester United finish second in the English top flight and secure a return to European competition.
Belgium deliver statement win ahead of WC 2018
Belgium are not in the conversation of possible World Cup winners. However, fans might need to reconsider that given the way they are playing.
The Belgian Red Devils blasted fellow World Cup-bound nation Costa Rica 4-1 to extend their unbeaten streak to 19 games.
Romelu Lukaku scored twice while Dries Mertens and Michy Batshuayi added a goal apiece to power the Belgians past the Costa Ricans just a couple of days before the World Cup 2018 kicks off in Russia.
The win marked a team record for the longest unbeaten run, with Belgium tallying 15 wins and four draws. Their last defeat came in the hands of Spain who stunned them with two unanswered goals in a friendly back in September 2016.
Belgium’s 19-game run is the second-longest active streak in international football, only behind Spain who are 20 games undefeated. Morocco, meanwhile, are only a game behind Belgium.
Here at SBOBET Blog, we noted that the Belgians are one of the World Cup “dark horses”. And indeed, considering the consistency that they have shown so far, it is not impossible for them to go the distance.
Kevin Durant makes remark about playing with Golden State
Kevin Durant has something to say to those who think he took the easy way to the NBA title.
After helping the Golden State Warriors sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA championship for the second-straight year, Durant hit back at his critics and said that being part of the Dubs and becoming their best player is more difficult.
“I feel like it’s harder to stand out when you have great players around you,” Durant said. “I pride myself on standing out wherever I am. I pride myself on working hard wherever I go. And I feel like these guys embraced me and I feel like I’m a Warrior.”
Durant has been criticised for leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016 to join Golden State, the 2015 NBA Champions. Fans and critics alike said that the so-called Slim Reaper took the easy road to the trophy.
While Durant’s move allowed him to win two championships, it’s also clear that he has done his part to help the Warriors succeed. He won back-to-back NBA Finals MVP awards, and one could even argue that the Bay Area team wouldn’t win multiple titles in four years without him.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE SPORTS STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
