Portugal-Spain preview

Seleção aim to begin World Cup campaign on the right foot

The two Iberian nations will clash on Friday in Sochi in what promises to be one of the most intriguing matches of the group stage at this World Cup.

Much has changed since the two fierce rivals last met in a major tournament at Euro 2012, ending in Spain overcoming its neighbour in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw, on their way to their second successive European title, to go along with their then world title.

However, this time, it is Portugal going into the match with bragging rights having been crowned European champions two summers ago in France. But, the pain of that semi-final defeat at Euro 2012 should still loom large in the minds of players as well as fans alike on Friday night.

Background noise

Controversy never seems far behind Portugal before major tournaments and this time is no different. But for once, Portugal’s captain is not at the centre of it. The ongoing situation at Sporting Clube de Portugal with several players, including four in this Seleção squad, having submitted notices of termination to the club, is dominating discussion.

There is also the matter of Cristiano Ronaldo and his status at Real Madrid next season. The same uncertainty may have hindered Portugal’s progress at Euro 2008 when Ronaldo was at Manchester United.

Portugal boss Fernando Santos insists neither issue will be a distraction. He should count on a healthy squad for this match. All 23 of his players participated in regular practice on Wednesday in Kratovo. With no major injuries reported.

But, that is nothing compared to the drama that has unfolded in the Spain camp over the last couple of days. On Tuesday, Julen Lopetegui was confirmed as the new manager of Real Madrid for next season. The timing of the announcement caught many by surprise, including the Spanish Football Federation, who promptly fired Lopetegui from his post with the national team on Wednesday.  

Fernando Hierro will take over the squad until the end of the tournament. He said that he expects his players to be focused and ready to face Portugal on Friday.

In squad news, right-back Dani Carvajal returned to practice on Tuesday for the first time since being substituted in the Champions League final with an injury. His status for the match is unclear although he is at least expected to be on the bench. Gerald Pique left practice on Monday because of a knee injury but has since recovered and returned to regular training.

History

Spain have a decisive advantage in head-to-head encounters historically with 18 wins, against six defeats and 12 draws in 36 matches. However, recent history is quite different. Since 2000, in competitive matches and friendlies, Spain have won three times, including the Euro 2012 semi-final, two wins by Portugal and one draw.

In addition to Euro 2012, the two have met in major tournaments on three other occasions. Spain beat Portugal 1-0 at the 2010 World Cup, with an offside goal by David Villa. Portugal got the better of their opponents at Euro 2004, winning 1-0 in the group stage. Nuno Gomes was on target in that memorable one, which kick-started Portugal’s run to the final. Lastly, the two played to a 1-1 draw at Euro 1984 in France.

What the managers say

Fernando Santos (Portugal): “Spain are a team that like to possess the ball. We need to take it from them and make them chase us.”

Fernando Hierro (Spain): “The key is to change as little as possible. The players have been preparing for this match for months. We need to approach it like any other.”

Line-up predictions

PORTUGAL XI: Patricio, Cedric, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro, William, Moutinho, João Mário, Bernardo Silva, Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo.

SPAIN XI: De Gea, Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Thiago Alcântara, Iniesta, Isco, David Silva, Diego Costa

By Rui Miguel Martins