The World Cup gets underway in barely 24 hours before we get our very first big game as Spain take on Portugal in the Iberian derby. These two sides are the teams who should go through from this group as games against Iran and Morocco would likely end in wins for them, however, the winner of this match may decide who tops the group.
Portugal were more of a defensive team when they went all the way to win Euro 2016, however, they have yet to bring new defenders into the fold, so they would be relying on the trio of Pepe, Bruno Alves and Jose Fonte who are between the ages of 34 and 36. A fast attacking team could cause them some real problems.
The Portuguese have only won three of their seven warm-up games, failing to beat any of USA, Belgium, Tunisia and Netherlands.
Spain dropped just two points in qualifying and were 5 points better than Italy who came second in their qualifying group. They also netted 36 times and conceded just three goals throughout the qualifiers, they would be looking to build on the form that has seen them avoid defeat since their exit from Euro 2016.
However, their performances may be affected by the Spanish FA’s decision to sack Julen Lopetegui just a day before the World Cup, it would be interesting to see if the players would be affected by that decision.
Portugal and Spain have each won two, drawn three, and lost two of their last seven Iberian derbies. The last and only World Cup meeting came in 2010 as Spain beat them 1-0 on their way to lifting the trophy.
