The second day of the World Cup brings us the mouth-watering derby as Spain take on neighboring Portugal in the battle for the first place in the Group B.
Both sides should still feel comfortable about passing the group regardless of the outcome here given they are to battle the likes Morocco and Iran for such accomplishment.
Spain will be desperate to fix the impression after a rather poor challenge at EURO 2016 when they were stopped to Italy in the last 16 round after also losing the group stage match to Croatia earlier on.
Portugal come into the competition as the reigning European champions, but can they repeat a remarkable success two years later in Russia?
Team News
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo will obviously be the key to nation’s success. He will come into the event high on confidence after securing his third consecutive Champions League trophy with Real Madrid.
Spain Boss Julen Lopetegui does not have important injury woes ahead of the opening fixture against Portugal.
Portugal likely starting XI
Rui Patricio – Pepe, Alves, Soares, Guerreiro – Moutinho, Carvalho, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario – Andre Silva, Ronaldo.
Spain likely starting XI
De Gea – Pique, Ramos, Carvajal, Alba – Busquets, Thiago, Silva, Isco, Iniesta – Costa.
Press Conference
Manuel Fernandes
“Portugal can beat Spain, as our goal is to win all matches in the group stage and advance to the next round,”
De Gea
“Cristiano Ronaldo is well studied, and everyone knows he’s one of the best in the world.”
“He also has a great team behind him, they’re European champions and it will be a tough game.”
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