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

#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.