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Rabat – Portugal and Spain have confirmed their starting lineups for their World Cup round-of-16 match at Dallas Stadium.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has selected Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the attack in what could be his final World Cup match.
Joao Felix also starts, replacing Rafael Leao in one of the main decisions made by the Portuguese coach.
Bernardo Silva remains on the bench, while Joao Neves keeps his place in midfield alongside Vitinha.
Diogo Costa starts in goal for Portugal.
Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes form the defensive line.
Joao Neves and Vitinha are expected to provide balance in midfield, with Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix supporting Ronaldo in attack.
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal are expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fernandes playing behind Ronaldo.
Spain keep same team
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has kept the same starting XI that defeated Austria 3-0 in the round of 32.
Unai Simon starts in goal behind a back line of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.
Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo start in midfield.
Lamine Yamal begins on the right side of the attack, with Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal completing the front line.
Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Spain are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, although Olmo could move closer to Oyarzabal when Spain attack.
The match will decide who advances to the quarterfinals.
The winner will face either the United States or Belgium in the next round.
