Spain vs Portugal in the round of 16: the Iberian derby nobody wanted this early

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So yesterday's results mean we get Spain against Portugal on Monday night in Dallas, in the round of 16 of all places. Yamal against Ronaldo, the European champions against the Nations League holders, and one of the genuine title contenders going home before the quarter finals even start. This is what the expanded 48 team format gives you, blockbuster ties absurdly early

On yesterday's evidence it is hard to look past Spain. They have not conceded a goal all tournament, Simon is setting clean sheet records, and they swatted Austria aside while Portugal needed a stoppage time header and a VAR intervention to get past Croatia. Yamal even said after the Austria game that the World Cup starts now, which sounds like a young lad who fancies the big stage

But Portugal have match winners everywhere. Leao's cross for the Ramos winner was a thing of beauty, Costa is in the form of his life in goal, and the midfield of Vitinha and Joao Neves can go toe to toe with anyone including Rodri and Pedri. The selection question is whether Martinez is brave enough to bench Ronaldo against opposition this good

Historically these games are tight and horrible, and Spain's unbeaten record inside 90 minutes means Portugal might fancy dragging it to penalties. Who do you have going through, and is it too early to call this the tie of the whole tournament?

Croatia vs. Portugal score: Goncalo Ramos winner, VAR controversy caps dramatic ending to World Cup clashwww.cbssports.com