It will be a clash of titans when Spain take on Portugal at the Fisht Stadium, Sochi. It is one of the most anticipated games of the group stage of this World Cup. Some of the biggest names of world football will battle against each other in this mouth-watering clash. Spain and Portugal have played only once before in the 2010 World Cup, Spain got the better of Portugal in that round-of 16 clash.
Spanish camp will be a tad unsettled going into this match as their manager Julen Lopetegui was sacked only a couple of days back. The decision surprised everyone around the world. Such decision bound to affect the players but Spain's interim coach Fernando Hierro is quite confident that, it won't bother the players in the squad. “We have to stop thinking about the past and focus. We have to be mature. We have an obligation to do it” said Hierro.
On the other hand, Lopetegui saga will give Portugal more confidence ahead of this blockbuster. They are depending heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo. Now,33, this could be his last hurrah at the World Cup, a trophy that is missing from his cabinet. Ronaldo will face six of his Real mates, who will look to stop him from scoring on Friday night. The duel between Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos will be fascinating to watch. Fernando Santos, the Portugal coach has kept a low profile of his team and that has worked for them nicely so far.
If you compare both the teams, Spain definitely has more quality in their side to topple Portugal. But Portuguese would definitely like to take advantage of the slightly out of focus Spanish side.
Possible Line-Ups:
Spain (4-2-3-1)
David De Gea, Jordi Alba, Sergio Ramos, Gerrad Pique, Nacho, Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, Isco, David Silva, Dieago Costa
Portugal (4-4-2)
Rui Patricio, Raphael Guerreiro, Jose Fonte, Pepe, Cedric, Joao Mario, Joao Mutinho, William, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Guedes.
