FIFA World Cup 2018, Portugal vs Spain: Five things to watch out for in the match

#2 The Battle of the Midfield

Busquets and Iniesta will be the key players of the Spanish midfield

Spanish football has been about its midfield ever since inception and a large part of the credit for winning three major international trophies from 2008-2012, goes to the creativity that Spain possesses in their midfield.

Spearheaded by veteran Andres Iniesta, the attacking midfield comprises of Koke, Saul and David Silva.

Marco Asensio and Isco's versatility makes them so vital to the team balance. The defensive midfield positions are marshaled by Thiago Alcantara and Sergio Busquets who can easily snuff out opposition attacks.

Portugal's midfield is comparably weaker than Spain in terms of depth. However, the presence of Joao Moutinho does turn heads.

He can change the course of the game of his own, and he will ply his trade along with Joao Mario, Adrien Silva, William Carvalho. Gelson Martins brings flexibility into the team and Bernardo Silva is the major man when it comes to creativity.