FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 group-stage matches in which top superstars will face each other

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Andres Iniesta (Spain vs. Portugal - 15 June 2018)

FC Barcelona v Real Madrid CF - La Liga — Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo will go head-to-head in the tournament this year

After leading Real Madrid to claim the UEFA Champions League last month, Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking forward to reaching a similar level of impacts with Portugal in the World Cup this term.

The European champions will face a big test early in the tournament as they prepare to meet Spain for their first game.

Led by Barcelona legend, Andres Iniesta, the 2010 World Cup winners will not be taking the match with fragile hands. Despite his age, Iniesta is still one of the most impressive superstars on the planet.

While Ronaldo has his sights set on a famous victory against Fernando Hierro's men, Iniesta will also be looking forward to starting the competition in the best way by leading his nation to win their first match of the tournament.

In the end, the match could be decided by the outcome of the individual battle between the two amazing superstars.

Follow Sportskeeda for 2018 World Cup Scores, Latest News & Updates, Match Analysis, Detailed Stats, Fantasy Tips, Controversies, Match Predictions and much more.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

Know More

Edited by Martin King