World Cup 2018: Portugal vs Spain - 3 Key Battles That Will Decide the Game

Arguably the best game of the group stages of the WC 2018 takes place on Day 2 itself when Spain take on Portugal at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi.

The Iberian Derby will set the tone for Group B very early in the tournament and could well be the decider to see which team tops the group and avoids Uruguay in the Round of 16.

Club teammates - past and present - will be on opposite sides when the game kicks off and friends will become arch enemies for 90 minutes. With contrasting formations on either side, this could be an end-to-end encounter.

So which are the key battles which could decide the encounter?

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#1 Bernardo Silva vs Jordi Alba

Bernardo Silva has not played as much as he would have liked following his move to Manchester City, but he still managed to play a part in 35 games in the Premier League (although he made more appearances from the bench).

Nevertheless, he will be crucial to Portugal's chances. If Ricardo Quaresma isn't in Fernando Santos' lineup (he is prone to changing things around), Silva will start on the right for A Seleção das Quinas.

In Portugal's 4-4-2 formation, Joao Moutinho and William Carvalho will play in central midfield. Therefore, Silva will play on the right wing where he will square up against Spain's left-back Jordi Alba.

Portugal's build-up play is usually out wide with dribblers being key to their attack. Silva, however, will look to cut in and play a little narrower than a regular winger swinging in crosses. This is where Alba will have to be on his toes and probably need Sergio Ramos' help - if he isn't too busy marking Cristiano Ronaldo or Andre Silva.

Jordi Alba's attacking instincts may have to be curbed if Portugal are on the front foot

Alba is an attacking full-back. And if Spain change formations to three-at-the-back, he could be pushed further up. This is when the battle could be at its intriguing best.

Silva is one of Portugal's most creative outlets. If Spain deny him space and time on the ball, Ronaldo will have to look for service from other outlets on the other flank or midfield.

#2 Isco vs Cedric Soares

Isco is possibly Spain's most crucial player at the World Cup

Spain have been unbeaten in their last 20 games. Under Julen Lopetegui, La Furia Roja were back to their scintillating best - almost as good as they were between 2008 and 2012.

And one of the rising stars in this Spain team was Isco. He was one of their top goalscorers with five goals in the qualifiers and his form was so good that Real Madrid were criticised for not playing him enough.

Under Lopetegui, Spain usually played a 4-3-3 with Isco on the left as a wide forward or an attacking midfielder making runs if they deployed a 4-5-1. It was very effective when his hat-trick helped Spain beat Italy in the qualifiers and even Argentina in a friendly.

Lopetegui has since been sacked and Fernando Hierro has taken over but he will most likely stick to the formula that has kept them unbeaten so far. And Isco's sublime dribbling and eye for a pass in the final third will be Spain's forte.

Cedric Soares is Portugal's right-back

To keep him in check, Portugal will rely on Cedric Soares. The 26-year-old is quite strong defensively (he made 84 tackles and interception in the Premier League this season).

Soares is used to attacking on the flank (he is a good crosser of the ball after all) but he may have to play on a leash. Isco will always look to exploit the space left behind by Soares when he is on the attack. That is where Soares will have to balance his attacking and defensive duties.

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo vs Gerard Pique

Will Cristiano Ronaldo score in his fourth World Cup?

Now playing in his fourth World Cup, one would have expected five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo to have been competing with Thomas Muller for most goals at the World Cup among active goalscorers.

Instead, Ronaldo has failed to come good at the quadrennial tournament. He has only scored three goals - one in each edition. However, this seems like the tournament for him.

He is at full fitness and Portugal are one of the top teams - they did win Euro 2016 after all. No longer a winger in the team, Ronaldo has now become a forward in Portugal's 4-4-2 - often partnered with Andre Silva.

But Ronaldo still drifts out wide so he can cut in or put in crosses by drawing out defenders to allow his midfielders to make runs into the box. Nevertheless, he will still be the focal point of attack.

And the man who will be tasked with denying him shots on goal will be Gerard Pique. Ronaldo usually cuts in from the left and that is Pique's territory more than it is Sergio Ramos'.

Gerard Pique will not want a repeat of the 2014 nightmare in Russia

Pique is no stranger to Ronaldo, of course. They've met each other umpteen times in Clasicos and Ronaldo has got the better of him in recent years with some fine goals.

What could also help Ronaldo is who ends up playing at right-back for Spain. If Dani Carvajal is fit and 100%, he will be a worthy rival. However, the same cannot be said of backup right-back Alvaro Odriozola.

The right-back is prone to attacking and does not track back in time to reset Spain's defensive line when they lose the ball. Lopetegui was so incensed with his performance that he was taken off at half-time against Tunisia.

But Pique will be key to handling Ronaldo - be it in one-on-one situations or on set-pieces.

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