| 1X2 | Home | Draw | Away | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Coolbet
|
4.30 | 3.75 | 1.92 | Go to Coolbet → |
|
Epicbet
|
4.12 | 3.66 | 1.95 | Go to Epicbet → |
|
Casino Friday
|
4.00 | 3.66 | 1.90 | Go to Casino Friday → |
|
UnionBet
|
4.00 | 3.75 | 1.87 | Go to UnionBet → |
One of the favourites for the World Cup will be heading home on Monday as Portugal and Spain renew one of international football’s oldest rivalries in a blockbuster last-16 clash at the AT&T Stadium.
Separated by little more than a border and decades of fierce competition, the Iberian neighbours have taken different routes to this stage. Portugal survived a dramatic encounter against Croatia to keep Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream alive, while Spain produced one of the most convincing performances of the knockout round to comfortably dispatch Austria.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, fine margins could once again define a contest between two sides packed with world-class talent.
Ronaldo’s quest continues as Portugal search for consistency
Portugal were moments away from extra time against Croatia before technology came to their rescue. Josko Gvardiol thought he had forced an additional 30 minutes with a dramatic late equaliser, only for semi-automated offside technology and the ball sensors to confirm that Igor Matanovic had made the decisive touch from an offside position.
The decision preserved a hard-fought 2-1 victory and ensured Ronaldo’s pursuit of a first World Cup title would continue. Earlier goals from the veteran forward and Goncalo Ramos had overturned Ivan Perisic’s opener, highlighting both Portugal’s attacking quality and their ability to recover under pressure.
The victory also ended a long-standing World Cup trend, as Portugal won a knockout match after falling behind for the first time since their famous comeback against North Korea in 1966. However, Roberto Martinez’s side still have room for improvement. They looked vulnerable defensively at times against Croatia and will know similar lapses are unlikely to go unpunished against the reigning European champions.
Ronaldo remains the focal point despite being substituted before full-time in the previous round, a decision that visibly frustrated the 41-year-old. Goncalo Ramos continues to provide a remarkable impact from the bench, averaging a goal contribution every 37 minutes at this World Cup, but the Paris Saint-Germain striker again appears destined for a substitute’s role.
The only genuine selection dilemma comes on the right wing, where Pedro Neto faces competition from Bernardo Silva and Francisco Conceicao for a place in the starting line-up.
AdvertisementSpain’s defensive masterclass meets its sternest examination
Spain have quietly emerged as perhaps the most complete side left in the tournament. Their 3-0 victory over Austria was controlled from start to finish, with Mikel Oyarzabal continuing his outstanding form by scoring twice, while Pedro Porro also found the net in a performance that underlined La Roja’s growing confidence.
The reigning European champions have now won three consecutive World Cup matches and remain one of only two teams yet to concede a goal in the competition alongside Mexico. Even more impressively, Austria failed to register a single shot on target in the previous round, illustrating just how effectively Luis de la Fuente’s side are controlling matches without the ball as well as with it.
Spain continue to dominate possession as expected, but their defensive organisation has arguably become their greatest strength. The balance between technical quality in midfield and defensive discipline has made them exceptionally difficult to break down.
There are a few minor fitness concerns heading into the contest. Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Aymeric Laporte all had their training workloads carefully managed, although none is expected to miss the match. Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino remain unavailable, but Spain possess sufficient depth to cope without either winger.
History also favours La Roja. Spain have lost only seven of their previous 41 meetings with Portugal, although Portugal did edge the nations’ most recent encounter by winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League final on penalties.
Verdict
This has all the ingredients of a classic knockout encounter between two teams who know each other inside out.
Portugal possess match-winners capable of deciding any game, but they have looked vulnerable defensively throughout the tournament and needed a slice of fortune to eliminate Croatia. Spain, by contrast, have steadily grown stronger with every performance and appear to have found the balance that has often eluded them in previous major tournaments.
The midfield battle promises to be fascinating, with both sides comfortable dominating possession, but Spain’s greater defensive solidity could ultimately prove decisive. If Portugal are forced to chase the game, the spaces that open up may suit the European champions perfectly.
Tip
Spain to qualify
Portugal have enough attacking quality to trouble any opponent, but Spain have combined defensive excellence with increasing confidence in the final third. Having yet to concede a goal and looking the more balanced side throughout the tournament, La Roja appear well equipped to book their place in the quarter-finals.