Preview: Spain – Portugal

(GSM) – The Iberian derby is renewed on the grandest stage of all when Spain and Portugal square off in a Round of 16 match on Tuesday evening in Cape Town.

The Spanish came back to win Group H after dropping their opener to Switzerland. Wins over Honduras and Chile clinched their spot in this game against their rival.

Portugal, meanwhile, sandwiched a 7-0 rout of Korea DPR in between two dreadful 0-0 draws to finish runners-up to Brazil in Group G.

The last time these sides met, Portugal emerged 1-0 winners in the group stage of Euro 2004 on a goal by Nuno Gomes.

The rivals have never met before in a World Cup finals.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque announced that Raúl Albiol will be unavailable for the game against Portugal after a training-ground injury.

In addition, the knicked-up Xabi Alonso will need a late fitness test before the game.

Deco is healthy again for Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz, and he could yet start. But it is not likely considering the fine play thus far of his replacement, Tiago.

Spain have no concerns on the yellow-card front as they are the only team in the tournament that went through the whole of the group stage without a single booking.

Portugal, meanwhile, need to avoid bookings for Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Mendes, Hugo Almeida, Pepe, Tiago, Duda and Fábio Coentrão.