Iberian summit in the World Cup quarter-finals

The neighbors Portugal and Spain meet in a heated Iberian clash on Monday in Dallas, which could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last international match in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, while the host United States hopes to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century when they face Belgium in Seattle.

Portugal achieved a hard-fought victory over Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32, but the most important thing was qualifying; they have recorded 12 wins in their last 17 matches and have not conceded more than one goal in nine matches during this streak, giving them defensive solidity before a match that could be the last international appearance for their captain and all-time top scorer Ronaldo in case of elimination.

As for Spain, the 2024 European champions, they reached the Round of 16 easily after defeating Austria 3-0 and became the first team since Germany in the 2014 final to not allow any shots on goal in a knockout match at the World Cup.

This defensive solidity is a prominent feature of the current tournament, as well as during the era of coach Luis de la Fuente, who remains unbeaten in major tournaments (10 wins and one draw), having conceded only four goals in 11 matches.

Spain's only defeat since June 2023 was on penalties against Portugal specifically last year in the UEFA Nations League final, which necessitates caution before this clash.

However, with the opportunity to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup and write a new chapter; as an additional unbeaten match would equal the longest unbeaten streak in the country's history (35 matches), Spain has all the motivation to seek revenge.

Lamine Yamal stood out in the match against Austria, winning the Man of the Match award. The 18-year-old Barcelona star played for 85 minutes in California, marking his longest appearance so far in the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury.

In a testament to the great confidence the Spanish team possesses, Yamal said: “I want to progress through the rounds and win with Spain,” adding: “We are not afraid of any team. We are Spain,” and he continued: “The World Cup starts now.”

As a host in partnership with Mexico and Canada, the U.S. team aims to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when they host Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle, a stadium that has previously hosted both teams three times in this tournament.

After reaching the Round of 16 of the World Cup for the seventh time (one win and five losses) following a deserved victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, the U.S. team has the opportunity to match its best achievement in the competition during the 21st century.