PREVIEW: Two giants collide as Portugal and Spain face off in The Iberian Derby in Dallas | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal can go one step closer to World Cup glory as they face one of the tournament favourites in Spain, who have been slowly growing into the tournament after a shaky group stage.

Whilst there’s been a lifetime of memories so far at this World Cup and some extremely memorable matches, there hasn’t really been a true clash of giants yet at this tournament until now. Portugal and Spain both have the makings of World Cup winners currently and both seem to be growing further into the tournament as it goes on.

Following a disappointing draw against DR Congo in their first group stage game, Portugal have seemingly stuttered their way into the round of 16 with a comfortable win over Uzbekistan, a draw with Colombia that they could have easily lost, and a 2-1 victory over Croatia which was helped with a very contentious VAR call.

That being said, Portugal have got more than enough quality to really hurt any side and their top players have shown that yet again, aside from all the conversations off the pitch, Ronaldo has netted three times so far this tournament and has been there for them.

Their midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, João Neves and Vitinha are starting to bear fruit, and their strength in depth is showing as Goncalo Ramos netted the winner having come on for the five time Ballon D’or winner.

Portugal have shown they have the grit necessary to beat any team and will provide a difficult task for any side left in this tournament.

Their opponents, neighbours and historic rivals Spain have slowly been growing into this tournament after a historic goalless draw with Cape Verde where they seemed void of ideas against the small African nation, they have grown into the tournament however and recorded comfortable wins against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and Austria.

Facing their toughest test yet by far, Spain will need to overcome Portugal if they are to realise their ambitions of winning a second World Cup and their fifth major international tournament. Star player Lamine Yamal has been warming up over the past few games after arriving into the tournament with an injury.

Yamal’s quietness has been saved by the fantastic performances of Mikel Oyarzabal who has registered four goals and one assist in his four games for La Roja. The midfield brilliance of Pedri has shone through so far as well with Spain showcasing their classic, brilliant tiki-taka style.

Portugal and Spain’s ‘Iberian Derby’ has been contested for over 100 years now, the two sides have now played each other 41 times with this latest fixture being the 42nd, Portugal have only won six times of those 41 with Spain winning 17 times and there being 18 draws.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is expected to keep his side unchanged following their victory over Croatia despite the controversy surrounding the substitution of Ronaldo in the side’s win, his replacement Gonçalo Ramos went on to net the winning goal but he is expected to remain on the bench for this one.

Elsewhere, there is uncertainty surrounding the left wing of Portugal, Chelsea winger Pedro Neto started against Croatia last time out but his position is up for contention from the likes of Bernardo Silva and Francisco Conceição both of whom are more than capable of filling in that role.

As for Spain, their star man Lamine Yamal has begun to warm up from his injury and played 84 minutes in the side’s victory over Austria, he will be back on the right for Spain.

There are still injuries for Yéremy Pino and Nico Williams with Pino having a shoulder issue and Williams an adductor injury, they have been big losses for Spain but their strength in depth should be enough to cope with any missing players.

Marcos Llorente is fit and could fill in a full-back should Pedro Porro need a replacement.

This game is one of the most historic in football, the Iberian derby is rarely a quiet affair and this contest in Dallas should be no different, this match could be the passing of the torch from the great Cristiano Ronaldo to the electric Lamine Yamal or it could go a long way to proving that this is the time for the aging great to finally grab footballs greatest prize.

Kick-off for this one is at 20:00 (BST), with live coverage on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for UK viewers.

For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.