Portugal vs Spain: A tantalizing Iberian clash awaits
It’s set to be an all-Iberian showdown as European heavyweights Portugal take on Spain at the Olimpiyskiy Stadion Fisht on Friday evening.
This arguably will be one of the most interesting ties of the group stage, a match fit for a round of 16, or even a latter-stage knockout game. Depending on how things pan out, fans could see a rematch between La Furia Roja and the Seleção. Making things even more interesting is the large representation of Barcelona and Real Madrid stars within Spain’s ranks; this match will pit Los Blancos teammates Sergio Ramos, Isco, Marco Asensio, and Lucas Vazquez against their superstar colleague Cristiano Ronaldo.
Although Spain cruised through qualifiers, notably thrashing Italy 3-0 in Madrid, it’s not been smooth sailing for the 2010 World Cup winners as of late. For starters, the camp was rocked when Julen Lopetegui opted to sign a contract with Real Madrid for immediately after this tournament. The nation’s footballing body wasn’t impressed and responded angrily to sack him – despite him being in charge for 20 games and not losing a single one. Fernando Hierro will now be given the rather unenviable task of picking up the team and leading them through this upcoming tournament, and it goes without saying that the pressure will be on following Spain’s awful showing in 2014.
Once the premier side in Europe – and the world – Spain have had humbling experiences at their last two tournaments. They were sent packing in the round of 16 by Italy, who got revenge on them for their EURO 2012 humiliation in which they were crushed 4-0. A new generation of stars have come through, although some of the old-timers, including Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets – all of whom were within the team back in 2010 – still remain.
Portugal, for their part, finally ended their long wait for continental glory by winning the EURO 2016 tournament in France. Heading into that contest, Fernando Santos’s side were not viewed as favorites, but despite losing Cristiano Ronaldo to injury during a tense final with France, the Seleção came out on top, 12 years after their heartbreak as hosts when Greece edged them out 1-0.
Cristiano Ronaldo is coming into this tournament off the back of another solid season. Although he wasn’t able to help Real Madrid win the La Liga title, he played a vital role in Los Blancos making it three straight wins in the Champions League and will be eager to help spearhead his side at what could be his last World Cup. Having already clinched one major title with his country – unlike his perpetual rival Lionel Messi – the 33-year-old will be looking to further bolster his chances at winning a sixth Ballon d’Or with a strong showing in Russia over the next four weeks.
Elsewhere in Group B, Morocco will also be taking on Iran in a game that will be absolutely crucial for both sides. Both Morocco and Iran aren’t even expected to get out of their group, but if one of these sides can take all three points and Spain and Portugal play to a draw, they will at least bolster their chances at potentially snatching a last 16 spot.
Of course, all the attention in Group B will be on Spain and Portugal, with its collection of stars from two of the biggest teams in the world. Given the turmoil in Spain’s camp, some have downplayed their chances at clinching the coveted prize. Will that prove to be their undoing? Meanwhile, Portugal, despite winning the EURO 2016 tournament, are viewed as too dependent on their captain. Moreover, the Seleção have struggled since finishing in fourth at the 2006 edition. In fact, they’ve gone backwards: a round of 16 result in 2010 was followed by a group stage exit in 2014, when they were expected to probably finish second behind Germany.
So, will Cristiano Ronaldo be able to again rally the troops? Or will Spain put aside the shock changes within their camp and prove that they are again a force to be reckoned with?
