Spanish turmoil adds spice to Iberian derby RONALDO SET FOR LIKELY LAST SHOT AT WORLD CUP GLORY
BLOCKBUSTER CLASH Just 48 hours after sacking manager Lopetegui, former champions take on their strongest group rivals, Portugal SOCHI:With
Spain unbeaten in 20 games and Portugal having lost one competitive match since September 2014, Friday’s clash in Sochi appeared to be a case of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object — at least until Wednesday.
Then, in a drastic and sensational move, Spain fired coach Julen Lopetegui and replaced him with Fernando Hierro, whose only previous senior coaching experience was at second-tier Spanishc club Oviedo.
Lopetegui, who only last month extended his contract as Spain coach, agreed on Tuesday to take over at Real Madrid next season — but the Spanish federation (RFEF) only found out five minutes before the official announcement and were furious.
The contrast with Portugal and the manner in which their coach Fernando Santos agreed to renew his contract after winning Euro 2016 two years ago could not have been greater.
“We sat down, had a coffee and easily reached an agreement,” he said at the time.
The neighbourly rivalry and the intriguing prospect of a duel between Real Madrid team mates Sergio Ramos of Spain and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo meant the Group B match was always going to be one of the highlights of the opening round.
The Spanish turmoil has added even more spice to the fixture and it remains to be seen how much the Spaniards will be affected, especially after media reports that the squad was split over whether Lopetegui should remain or not.
Some teams can be galvanised by such episodes, however, and Ramos quickly issued a war cry on Twitter. “We are the national team, we represent a badge, colours, a fanbase and a country,” he said. “Our responsibility and commitment is with you as well as for you. Yesterday, today and tomorrow together.”
Spain had certainly rediscovered their touch under Lopetegui, using relentless possession to wear down opponents, as shown by their unbeaten run since he took the reins.
With Morocco and Iran making up the group, both Iberian teams could be forgiven for being happy with a draw when they clash on Friday but Santos has other ideas. “I am not signing off on anything other than a win,” he said. “We’ve come here to win every game that we play.” With David de Gea standing guard between the sticks, Spain boasts of arguably the best goalkeeper in world football at the moment. De Gea’s ability to contribute to Spain’s attacks with accurate kicks will also be a bonus.
Portugal’s first choice goalkeeper since 2011, Rui Patricio’s heroics at the Euro 2016, was a major contributing factor to their continental triumph. The 30-year-old is undoubtedly one of the safest hands in Europe at the moment. The Spanish defence is one of the most experienced -- they conceded just three goals in 10 qualifying games. Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique, both of whom were key to Spain’s 2010 triumph, will be supplemented by Jordi Alba’s attacking threat and pace to form one of the most fearsome backlines.
Portugal’s resolute defence cannot be overlooked and will be pivotal if the Selcao are to curtail Spain from finding gaps to their goal. Led by veteran Pepe, who will be joined by either Bruno Alves or Jose Fonte in the centre, they conceded two goals in last nine qualifying matches.
MIDFIELD MAGIC
With the likes of Andres Iniesta (left), Isco, David Silva and Sergio Busquets, Spain’s midfield has dominated for quite some time now. Getting the ball off them will always be a tiring task. Unlocking defences with swift and pinpoint passes is their biggest strength. Portugal’s midfield wears a rather defensive look in recent times. Ricardo Quaresma and Manchester City’s Bernado Silva will be tasked with providing the forward thrust.
WORLD CUP RECORD 13
Won Drawn Matches In the Spain’s otherwise solid unit, the lack of a confirmed first choice centre forward is their weakest link. Diego Costa though,seemsthefirstchoice.
The only area that Portugal have a definitive edge over Spain is their attack. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the attack with Andre Silva, Spain will have to contain the pair that ended up with 24 of Portugal’s 32 goals in the qualifying.
PORTUGAL
Lost
Best finish: 3rd place in 1966
29
Won
Drawn Matches
SPAIN
Lost Best finish: Winners in 2010 Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in World Cup finals
QUICK FACTS
Portugal have lost only one of their last nine World Cup group games (0-4 v Germany in 2014), winning five and drawing three. Only one of Portugal’s 43 goals at the World Cup has been scored from outside the box, it came from Deco against Iran in 2006. None of Spain’s last 14 games at the World Cup have ended in a draw (W10 L4). They’ve lost three of their last six group games (W3). Before that they had won seven straight games.
Four encounters between Portugal and Spain at major tournaments (World Cup + Euro) have produced only four goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo will launch his latest and probably last attempt to crown his career with a World Cup winners medal when European champions Portugal face neighbours Spain in their opening World Cup game here on Friday.
It is a stretch to make Portugal one of the favourites to win the trophy, even with Ronaldo, but they are nevertheless in Russia as the reigning European champions after surprising France on home soil two years ago.
Ronaldo is 33 now, still in fantastic physical condition and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner. He can probably play on for as long as he wants, but it is hard to imagine him returning for a fifth World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
“Of course Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world at the moment and he will be the top player at this World Cup. There are no words to describe him,” said admiring team-mate Joao Mario at Portugal’s base near Moscow this week.
Ronaldo was playing the last time Portugal beat their rivals in a major tournament, winning 1-0 to eliminate Spain in the group stage at Euro 2004.
He was just 19 then, and has gone on to become his country’s leading scorer with 81 international goals.
He won his 150th cap in the recent friendly against Algeria. And yet he has never quite managed to replicate his club form on the major tournament stage.
He lasted just 25 minutes before coming off injured in the Euro 2016 final, watching from the sidelines as Eder’s extratime goal shocked France.
But he also needs to act as a father figure to the talented young members of Fernando Santos’s squad, like Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Guedes and Gelson Martins.
Ronaldo has a responsibility to unite the squad and focus minds ahead of his fourth World Cup.
“Ronaldo is our captain, he sets an example for us and is advising us younger players and sharing his experience,” said Manchester City’s Silva.
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