It may only be a friendly match, but encounters between Portugal and Spain are generally heated affairs, and on this occasion the home side have revenge to seek after La Furia Roja eliminated them from the World Cup in the summer.
Back in June, hopes were high that Carlos Queiroz’s Seleccao would be able to spring something of a surprise by getting the better of the Spanish, but a David Villa goal helped set in motion events that would ultimately see the Portuguese FA lose their coach after a lengthy dispute that was allowed to negatively influence the nation’s early encounters in Euro 2012 qualifying.
Indeed, it’s far from certain that the Portuguese side will be in the Ukraine and Poland having started sluggishly in a group containing tricky opponents in the form of Norway and Denmark. Already the Norwegians have got the better of the Portuguese, while Cyprus scored a remarkable 4-4 draw in Guimaraes.
These encounters proved to be the last of Queiroz’s reign, though by that stage he had been suspended by the FA.
Paulo Bento has since taken charge of the squad and has steadied the ship significantly, scoring a terrific 3-1 success against the Danes and matching that result in Iceland back in October. Miracles cannot be expected of the new coach, which means victory over Spain is unlikely, but in the long-term it is anticipated the former Sporting coach will lead the Seleccao to the European Championships.
Post World Cup Worries
Since lifting the World Cup in July, Spain have not taken their eye off the ball competitively, recording a hat-trick of victories in Euro 2012 qualifying to make their presence at the Finals in around 18 months already inevitable. But there have been a few signs of a post-World Cup hangover for Vicente del Bosque’s men.
A 1-1 draw in Mexico a month to the day of their coronation as the world’s best was not regarded as a major set-back as it was a fringe team that was convened for that fixture, but the 4-1 beating that was handed to the Spanish by Argentina in Buenos Aires could not be ignored. Admittedly la Furia were still rusty after just starting their season and were not at full strength, but it was nevertheless a real dent to the pride of the champions.
In the two matches thereafter, it’s not entirely been a case of business as usual. Against Lithuania the Spanish were held for 45 minutes before succumbing ultimately running out 3-1 victors, but there was a greater scare at Hampden Park, where Del Bosque’s men were rocking temporarily having lost a 2-0 lead against Scotland. In the end, only an opportunist strike from Fernando Llorente saved their face.
The lessons learned following the World Cup should ensure that Spain know that winning the competition was one thing, holding onto their status as the best side on the planet quite another. For all their remarkable achievements over the last four years, la Roja now need to show that they have the mentality as well as the skill to keep winning. If a fixture again neighbours Portugal can’t rouse them, then there really will be problems.
TEAM NEWS
Portugal
Left-back Fabio Coentrao has pulled out of this fixture due to injury, while Silvestre Varela has also withdrawn from the squad due to a physical complaint. Atletico Madrid’s Tiago is the main player of experience who has been overlooked by coach Paulo Bento.
Spain
Jesus Navas has been replaced by Santi Cazorla, while Juan Mata has pulled out of the team due to a thigh problem. Fernando Torres has an ankle issue and may not be risked. Pedro has suffered from a bout of stomach flu and is very unlikely to feature.
Prediction
Spain have a remarkable winning ethic and there is unlikely to be anything to change that on Wednesday, even if post-World Cup friendlies have seen them fail to record a victory. Cristiano Ronaldo has the potential to pose all kinds of problems for the visiting rearguard, but he fires so infrequently for his nation that a strong performance from ‘CR7’ should not be expected. It will be tight, though the guests will edge it, much like in Cape Town in the summer.
Portugal 0-1 Spain 
