Even before the game had been laced with additional drama following the dismissal of Spain manager Julen Lopetegui, this evening’s encounter between Portugal and Spain had the allure of the first mouth-watering game of this World Cup.
An Iberian derby, Spain would have been deemed the favourites for this one in the build-up. But that has changed with the sacking of Real Madrid bound Lopetegui as Fernando Hierro steps into the role.
In fairness, the 11 players who will kick off the game against Portugal this evening will have been as prepared as they were ever going to be. But what is always difficult to ascertain in a situation like this is just how pervasive the circus effect is on the squad.
Read more: Susan Egelstaff: New concussion case could change everything
Reminiscent of the Roy Keane v Mick McCarthy spat that dominated the 2002 World Cup, it is only as the games go by that the full forces of the internal unrest will reveal itself.
With reports suggesting the Spain players — led by Madrid captain Sergio Ramos — were keen for Lopetegui to stay, it hints at unrest in the camp that could pour cold water on their ambitions to regain the trophy they relinquished with a whimper in Brazil four years ago.
For all the off-field concerns, Spain enter the tournament with a formidable squad, most notably a midfield that includes the significant experience of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara, David Silva and Isco.
Portugal, fresh from their European Championship triumph two years ago, have their talisman Ronaldo in the ranks.
The Real Madrid star will understandably command much of Spain’s — and Ramos’ attention. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has won the Champions League five times and has spent a decade at the very top level, netting 40-odd goals a season.
His contribution to Portugal’s cause will be huge, but for all that Ronaldo’s cv makes for impressive reading – he was pivotal to Portugal’s qualification with 15 goals and three assists, more than other player in the qualifiers – he has never scored against Spain in what amounts to 340 minutes of action.
However, those tuning in for a goal-fest may be disappointed. The fear of losing this game may overpower a will to win – the only time the teams have met in the World Cup was in 2010, a game that was settled with a David Villa solitary goal for Spain.
In total the teams have met four times at major tournaments and have produced a total of only four goals.
Portugal would become only the fourth team in World Cup history to celebrate back-to-back European and World Cup wins should they to go on to win the tournament.
Read more: Steven Gerrard's Rangers to face Celtic on 1 September as 2018/19 fixtures are released
Few would realistically expect that but a barometer of their tournament may come in just how they face up to the challenge of Spain.
Interestingly, although Spain finished top of their group in three of their last four World Cups, they have won only two of their last 12 opening games in the competition.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will be in Russia in his capacity as an RT pundit and he believes that Portugal will beat their neighbours this evening.
The Portuguese said of today’s Group B match in Sochi: “I feel that we can win, we can lose. And as a fan, I wouldn’t be in hell if we lose against Spain but also I would not be in heaven if we beat Spain.
“I think we both are going to qualify because we are two of the strongest teams in the competition.”
Mourinho has predicted Portugal will make it all the way to the final along with an Argentina side he sees defeating Spain in the last eight.
That scenario is, of course, a potential pitting of Cristiano Ronaldo against old rival Lionel Messi, and Mourinho said of the two superstars, 33 and 30 respectively: “I think they both arrive in this World Cup probably as the last one.
“I think they are both going to put everything into this World Cup, to try to finish their careers with the only thing they don’t have.
“To be world champion would be the pinnacle of their careers.”
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here