A blockbuster World Cup knockout game sees Portugal take on Spain tonight, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of lifting this elusive trophy reaches a critical juncture.
Ronaldo’s game time at this tournament has been a huge talking point, with the 41-year-old appearing to hamper Portugal at times, but he has scored three goals – including a crucial penalty in a dramatic last-32 win over Croatia.
That 2-1 victory has brought Roberto Martinez’s side into the last 16, where Spain await, having seen off Austria 3-0 with a clinical performance in the last round.
That result only enhanced feelings that Spain, the European champions, are one of the absolute favourites to go all the way in North America, but Portugal will surely put up a hell of a fight in Dallas, Texas.
Follow all the action from the World Cup last-16 tie, below:
Spain’s early team news
Spain remain without Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino after their respective injuries in the group-stage finale with Uruguay.
Meanwhile, Spain have been managing the workloads of Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Aymeric Laporte by limiting their training but this should not impact their availabilities.
Predicted Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Portugal’s early team news
Roberto Martinez has no fresh injury concerns to contend with in his Portugal squad, with his only real conundrum coming over who should start on the right-hand side – will Pedro Neto keep his place ahead of Bernardo Silva or Fransisco Conceicao?
Predicted Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Neves; Neto, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo.
Who will the winner face?
The winner will be pitted in a quarter-final tie with either co-hosts United States or Belgium, with that match set for 10 July in Los Angeles.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on BBC One and stream it on BBC iPlayer, with coverage starting at 7:30pm BST.
When is Portugal vs Spain?
Portugal’s last-16 clash with Spain kicks off at 8pm BST on Monday 6 July at the Dallas Stadium.
Spain v Portugal
The European champions got off to a somewhat slow start after being frustrated by Cape Verde in their group opener but look like they’re well and truly in their groove now, with a statement win over Austria stoking expectation that they can indeed go all the way.
Good afternoon!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s World Cup action as the round of 16 continues with two European heavyweights facing off against each other.
Spain take on Portugal in a mouthwatering clash as Cristiano Ronaldo seeks to continue his quest to win the World Cup.
He’s up against the youth of Lamine Yamal and co. with Spain growing in momentum after a strong last-32 victory.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and more so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
