Portugal and Spain lock horns at the Dallas Stadium on Monday in their Round of 16 fixture as both teams look to book their spot in the quarter-finals against the winner of the match between the USA and Belgium.
Both teams drew their opening game of the World Cup against Cape Verde and DR Congo, respectively, but Spain bounced back from that disappointment, and they have now won their last three matches.
While Portugal is finding this World Cup difficult. Although they hammered Uzbekistan in their second group match (5-0), they drew the other two group games against DR Congo and Colombia, and recently they survived a scare in the RO16 against Croatia.
Portugal vs Spain – lineups and team news
Portugal
Roberto Martínez made just one change and that is in the flanks as Rafael Leao drops to the bench while Joao Felix returns to the starting lineup.
Portugal playing XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo
Spain
Luis De La Fuente didn’t change a single name in the starting lineup and starts this match with the same team that started against Austria.
Spain playing XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal
Our Prediction
Portugal vs Spain has always been exciting. Be it the FIFA World Cup or the Nations League, these two teams often produce some memorable encounters.
Both teams are considered among the best in Europe, but based on current form and team chemistry, the Euro champions look far superior to Portugal. We say it will be 2-1 in favour of Spain as this becomes the final World Cup match of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Read Also – Manchester United set to complete Ederson swoop
See More – Amorim says AC Milan ‘bigger’ challenge than Man United job
Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
