Ruddy Allen, football writer

Today’s round of 16 tie in Dallas is not just a football match. It’s a family feud for the soul of Iberian football as Portugal take on Spain, with the winner staying and the loser flying home.

Portugal arrived battle-scarred but alive. Their group stage games were unconvincing, 1-1 against Congo DR, 5-0 win against Uzbekistan, and 0-0 versus Colombia. But knockouts are about moments. They were down 1-0 to Croatia in the round of 32, and they found one as Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty — his first-ever World Cup knockout goal, at 41 years old. Then Gonçalo Ramos headed a 94th-minute winner as VAR wiped out Croatia’s equaliser. It was relief, not euphoria, as Roberto Martinez’s side is still searching for cohesion.

Ruddy Allen.

Spain arrived unbeaten in 34 games and are yet to concede a goal at this World Cup. They drew 0-0 with Cape Verde, won 4-0 against Saudi Arabia, and edged Uruguay 1-0. Then they blitzed Austria 3-0 in the round of 32 without shifting out of third gear. They are calm in possession and ruthless in attack, led by 18-year-old Lamine Yamal and striker Mikel Oyarzabal with four goals.

One nation advances and one era ends. The old king meets the new prince, and only one leaves Dallas Stadium with his World Cup dream intact.

Ronaldo has scored three goals this tournament so far but the debate over his role persists. He was subbed versus Croatia, and he gave Martinez an unhappy look. Yet, he’s still the man who makes history when it matters.

Portugal won the Nations League final versus Spain on penalties. They know how to be ugly, compact, and land one punch. If Nuno Mendes shuts down Yamal and Bruno Fernandes finds one moment, Ronaldo could still write the last chapter. My call is Portugal 2-1 in 90 minutes with CR7 scoring both goals.

Andre Lowe.

Other prediction

USA 1, Belgium 2

Andre Lowe, Sports Content Manager

On eye test alone, Spain seem like the slightly better team as far as balance and fluidity are concerned. They seem more complete, but they’ve also shown glaring gaps at times and haven’t always wowed at this World Cup so far when compared to some other front-runners. Portugal, for all their technical assets, seem overly passive in key areas and moments, and could use some more conviction and bravery in their play, especially in the offensive phase.

Spain are unbeaten in 34 matches, have not conceded at this World Cup, and looked sharp in the 3-0 win over Austria. Lamine Yamal’s explosiveness, Rodri’s control, and Oyarzabal’s movement give them a good foundation. Portugal still have Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão, but they were less convincing against Croatia and may spend long spells chasing the ball.

This should be tight, technical and tense. It’s baffling why Fernandes isn’t playing on or behind the ball more than he has so far this tournament. He’s the best and most incisive passer on this Portugal team but he is often in front of the play, with too much space between himself and the designated ball handler Vitinha. I also feel Portugal lack a bit of steel in midfield. These are areas they will have to address. I see this one going to the very end. It can swing either way. I see a 1-1 draw, with Portugal winning in extra time or on penalties.

Other prediction

USA 1, Belgium 2

Simon Preston

Simon Preston, football writer

Once again, we will witness the Iberian derby at the World Cup. In 2010 Spain won 1-0 in the round of 16, and in 2018 there was an entertaining 3-3 draw.

The truth is, this game can go either way. It would not surprise me to see either team winning.

Portugal has an uncanny way of getting results while Spain is a unit that is picking up momentum in the competition.

In many ways, persons will feel Croatia should have gotten the result against Portugal in the round of 32, and now the Portuguese have a tougher task against a younger Spanish outfit who are very comfortable holding on to possession. I tip towards the Spanish for this one with a 1-0 win.

Other prediction

USA 2, Belgium 1