Two European giants – one which had won the World Cup in 2010 and the other, the European Championship in 2016.
This will be a match in which Tiki Taka will take on Ronaldo’s last-ditch attempt to shine at the highest stage of world football.
Both Spain and Portugal have fans in Bangladesh although the latter will get the upper hand because among a large number of college and university going youth, a CR7 craze persists.
In fact, many ardent Ronaldo fans still cherish the hope that before walking out for good, Ronaldo will shine like the last flicker of a dying lamp.
All players want to end with a bang and never with a whimper although how the end comes is often dictated by destiny.
Messi’s presence at the World Cup was marred by some doubt a year earlier but as the tournament is more than half-way through, Messi has shown that he has no desire to simply fade away into the twilight.
Ronaldo’s start at the 2026 World Cup was somewhat muted, drawing flak from fans, but he has since regained his verve.
The question often not addressed is what would be an achievement for Portugal in 2026?
Is the team looking at the trophy or do they want to bow out with some respect, meaning a spot maybe in the quarter or the semi-final.
“Actually, from what I see, Portugal is approaching one match at a time and not looking too far ahead,” remarked Mazhar Mithun, senior journalist for Independent TV plus a staunch Portugal and Ronaldo fan since his university days 18 years ago.
Portugal has come this far and perhaps they were not as convincing or impressive as the others but it’s always better to slowly move forward without the flamboyance and then surprise the high-flying ones, feels Mazhar.
Actually, he has a point.
Portugal did not come up in any discussion as a contender for the trophy and that has possibly worked in their favour.
Absence of the pressure of expectation can work wonders!
As for Spain, well, they would want to add another star to their tally and win the cup.
However, at this moment, the task at hand is to bring down Portugal.
Since drawing with Cape Verde at the group stage, Spain has shown resolve and conviction.
Making light work of Austria at the round of 32 indicates to a Spain which hasn’t lost its firepower.
Once they open the book, scoring becomes easier.
Yamal is an effective attacking winger and, if not this time, then, four years down the line, he will turn into a deadly Spanish sabre.
Gut feeling says: penalties!
