One of the fiercest FIFA World Cup rivalries, Spain versus Portugal is scheduled for 11.30 pm (IST) today (Friday). For all football fans, the live action in India is available across five channels in six languages and many more digital platforms.
A veritable clash of the titans, this match pits two FIFA World Cup title contenders against each other right from the outset. Although the neighbouring nations are old foes, this will be only their second-ever meeting on football’s greatest stage, after a tense Round-of-16 duel in South Africa from which the Spaniards emerged victorious (1-0). All in all, the two countries have met on 35 occasions, with Spain boasting 18 wins to Portugal’s six. Their recent record has been fairly even, with Portugal claiming two wins and Spain three.
They have not played each other since Spain won 4-2 on penalties, after a goalless 90 minutes, in the Euro 2012 semi-finals La Roja, who had built up significant momentum prior to their arrival in Russia and appear to have found the perfect balance between youth and experience, may therefore have a slight psychological advantage, but it is as yet unclear what impact their decision to sack coach Julen Lopetegui just two days away from their opening match will have.
At the other end of the pitch, the reigning European champions, with Cristiano Ronaldo more determined than ever to make a mark on the tournament, are unlikely to come bearing gifts.
Read More:
FIFA World Cup 2018 : Spain-Portugal LIVE on Sony Ten, Sony ESPN, Sony LIV
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