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The wait is finally over. After a spectacular opening ceremony, hosts Russia destroyed Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the inaugural game of the WC 2018.
The group stage games will happen for the next couple of weeks and the pick of the fixtures at this summer's World Cup takes place at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi on Friday as rivals Portugal play Spain.
After the all the drama that is happening around the sacking of Lopetegui, it’s time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Champions to show their worth on the field. Their opponents Portugal, who are the 2016 European Champions, are one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
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Both teams have no new injury concerns. Spain could be without the injured Dani Carvajal while Portugal has everyone in good health. It’s going to be a clash of the superstars and one of the most anticipated games in the World Cup.
On that note, let’s take a look at the 5 key players who will decide the game.
#5 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos, captain of the Spain national team, is arguably the best defender in the world right now. He led Real Madrid to their third UEFA Champions League win in a row and was one of the most influential players in European football.
This will be his fourth appearance in a FIFA World Cup. Sergio Ramos has played a stellar role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup success. He is the most experienced player in Spain’s 2018 World Cup squad and has played 151 games for the national team.
The battle between Sergio Ramos and his Real Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, is going to be an exciting one to watch. If the 32-year-old can keep Ronaldo quiet for the full 90 minutes, Portugal will find it hard to break Spain’s experienced defense.
#4 Pepe
The 35-year-old ex-Real Madrid star is one of the experienced players in the Portugal squad. Pepe has played 91 times for the Portugal national team and was an integral part of the team that has won the 2016 European Championships in France.
The three-time UEFA Champions League winner is playing in his third FIFA World Cup. Pepe will play a crucial role for Fernando Santos’ side on Friday as he will be stationed at the heart of Portugal’s defense.
Spain has no shortage of attacking talents and Pepe has to be on his toes for the entire duration of the game to keep them at bay. The clash between Diego Costa and Pepe will be an exciting one to watch.
#3 Diego Costa
With Alvaro Morata not in the squad, Diego Costa will most likely lead the line for Spain ahead of Iago Aspas. Costa holds the key to Spain’s fortunes in the fixture against Portugal. With Spain likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, Costa will play the role of a No. 9
Though he was remarkable for Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in club football, he rarely produced his best football for La Furia Roja. The Brazilian-born Spanish striker will be playing in his second FIFA World Cup. He has made two World Cup appearances for Spain before.
The 29-year-old has made 20 appearances for his country so far and was recalled into squad only in March. Expect him to cause a lot for problems for Pepe and Fonte. Costa presence will likely create goal scoring opportunities for other attacking players like Silva and Isco.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is three goals short of Ferenc Puskas’ 84 goals for Hungary which stands at third in the list of most goals scored in international football. The 33-year-old was a key figure in Portugal’s 2016 European Championship winning squad.
Once again on Friday, the Real Madrid star holds the key to Portugal’s fortunes. Ronaldo will be playing in his fourth World Cup and has already made 13 appearances in the tournament before.
He was crucial for Santos’ side in the qualifying campaign, scoring 15 goals and assisting three more in his nine appearances. Though Spain are favorites to win the game, Ronaldo’s presence will give a chance for Portugal to salvage something out of the game. He is in blistering form at the moment and could cause a lot of problems for Spain’s defense.
#1 Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta is arguably the greatest midfielder in world football this century. Though the Barcelona legend is 34, he has a lot of gas left in his tank to deliver at the highest level. He was Spain’s hero in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was his goal that separated the Netherlands and Spain in the 2010 World Cup finals.
This will be Andres Iniesta’s fourth and probably the last World Cup. He has made 10 appearances in FIFA World Cups and scored twice. Iniesta has played 126 games for the Spain national team and has won one FIFA World Cup and 2 UEFA European Championships (2008 and 2012).
He will allow Spain to dominate possession in the midfield and in the final third, and also create goal scoring opportunities. Iniesta could be the key to breaking Portugal’s experienced backline.
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Which player do you think will have the most impact in this all-important tie? Tell us in the comments below!
