Game 4: Portuguese Republic v Kingdom of Spain

2 heavyweights of the footballing world. Every man and his dog knows about these 2 star studded teams and what they can do.

Portugal are of course, headed by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and filled with other stars such as Pepe and Joao Moutinho. However with all these stars now in their mid to late 30's it's now or never for Portugal.
Portugal have been unlucky that as they were having their "Golden Era" so to were Spain. Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the 2012 EURO Semi Final before finally, breaking their drought in 2016 after the Spanish team had lost its strangle hold over Europe.

Despite being eventual Champions, you can argue that Portugal had somewhat of an average Euros. They drew all 3 group games including a 3-3 with Hungary, advancing to the next stage on goal difference. From there they went to extra time against Croatia, went to penalties against Poland, breezed past a poor Wales in the Semi before beating France in extra time in the Final. A game in which Portugal had 9 shots on goal to France's 18. It was more France's loss than Portugal's win.

Portugal also had a poor showing at the last World Cup being thrashed 4-0 by eventual winners Germany, drawing 2-2 with the USA and barely beating Ghana thanks to an own goal. Even their most recent friendlies haven't had promising results. Draws with the US and Tunisia and a 3-0 loss to the Netherlands.

Spain (the Red Fury) are somewhat in a bit of turmoil having just sacked their coach 2 days out from opening day. Who knows what kind of psychological effects this may have on the players as well as on their tactics going forward.
This like Portugal is somewhat the end of an Era with most stars attending their final world cup. Iniesta, David Silva, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique are all now well into their 30s and coming to the end of their International careers.

Spain qualified with a 9-1-0 record, only drawing with Italy. Spain were of course European Champions in 2008 and 2012 and World Cup winners in 2010. However last World Cup they crashed out in the group stages after only managing 3 points which came against Australia. They were also knocked out of the 2016 Euros in the early rounds by Italy. With all that said, Spain is still Spain and can match it with anybody in the World.

I would have said 1-1 before a few days ago, but with Spain losing their manager so close to game day it is hard to predict how the team will react. I'll stick with it for now but we will just have to wait and see how Spain fair.