Just two days into World Cup 2018, and one of the expected ‘games of the tournament’ takes place.
Spain vs Portugal is always going to be a mouth-watering encounter for the simple fact that they are neighbours, although this edition has a little more spice added to the occasion thanks to the underlying narratives.
Though both teams will go out to win the game, a loss isn’t disastrous with these sides expected to progress from the group, with respect to Iran and Morocco.
The upheaval in the Spain camp over the last few days has been unprecedented but may have a galvanising effect on a team that will be there or thereabouts at the business end.
Let’s take a look at three things that could affect the outcome of the match…
Ronaldo v Ramos
What a battle we have in prospect between these two!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record against Spain, and in World Cups, is poor. In the 13 matches he’s played over three tournaments, he’s managed just three goals, one in each edition.
He’s up against his club captain who will not give him an inch. What’s more, don’t be surprised if Ramos is in the Portugal captain’s ear throughout the game, winding him up about his current situation etc.
Despite his issues with Real, Ronaldo has looked refreshed in training and ready to get straight down to business.
There’ll be no friends here, and if neither get booked, it will be a shock.
Defences on top
Spain have met Portugal on four occasions in major championships (World Cup and Euros), but there have only been four goals scored across all of those matches.
La Roja were also unbeaten in their qualifying campaign whilst conceding just three times. In central defence, they have one of, if not the best partnership in the tournament, in Ramos and Gerard Pique.
With David De Gea in goal and Sergio Busquets sat just in front of the back four, it’s going to be hard for Spain to be broken down centrally.
Ramos’ old sparring partner, Pepe, won’t want his ex-team-mates to get the better of him here either.
With Jose Fonte or Bruno Alves to complement him, Portugal are also going to be a tough nut to crack down the middle.
Guedes to enhance his value
Though all of the focus tends to be on Ronaldo, somewhat understandably, Goncalo Guedes could have a real say in how this one finishes.
On loan at Valencia from PSG, he had a sensational season in Spain and was one of the major reasons why Los Che qualified for the Champions League.
PSG appear to be willing to sell, and Valencia want to buy, but a standout performance against one of the tournament favourites will add a few zeros to his value.
He will know all about Spain’s Alvaro Odriozola, who’ll take the right-back slot from Dani Carvajal, and he’ll aim to give the Real Sociedad man hell on his World Cup debut.
