Portugal vs Spain Preview
This match pits two FIFA World Cup title pretenders against each other. This match is literally the clash of the Titans. This will be their only second-ever meeting on football’s greatest stage. Meeting up on 35 occasions, Spain has boasted 16 wins and Portugal only 6.
Spain appears to have found their balance between experience and youth in the team, and may have a slight psychological advantage but still, it’s unclear what impact will cause the decision to change coaches so sudden.
The reigning European champions Portugal at the other end of the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo seem more determined than ever to make an impact and leave a mark on the tournament.
Did you know that Spain has a very low statistical chance of having a men sent off against Portugal? They have once ended a World Cup match with ten men. And it was Miguel Angel Nadal – the uncle of tennis champion Rafael Nadal, was the Spanish player who incurred the wrath of the referee in the 25th minute of a 2-2 draw with the Korea Republic on June 17th, 1994.
Possible line-ups
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Fonte, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Cedric, William, Bernardo Silva, Rui Patricio, Joao Mario, Goncalo Guedes, Joao Moutinho.
Spain: Sergio Ramos, David De Gea, Nacho, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Isco, Diego Costa, David Silva, Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara.
Portugal vs Spain Preview