World Cup 2018, Portugal vs Spain: 5 key players who will decide the game

#3 Diego Costa

Diego Costa needs to turn up for Spain

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.