Spain, Portugal target last 16 as elimination beckons

Spain and Portugal will face Morocco and Iran respectively as they try to lock down their places in the last 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2018.

When the FIFA World Cup 2018 groups were revealed, many expected Spain and Portugal to be the competitors from Group B amongst Iran and Morocco. However, 2 matches each played the last round for Group B is nothing smaller than a knockout match. Spain and Portugal have 4 points each with Iran breathing down their necks with 3 points, with Morocco already eliminated.

Both matches will kick off at 11 pm PST when Spain will face Morocco while Portugal face Iran. A win for Iran will mean that Portugal are eliminated while the Portuguese only require a point. As that match kicks off, fans will also have an eye on the corresponding fixture i.e: Spain vs Morocco. A loss for Spain and a draw between Iran and Portugal will mean that either Spain or Iran will be eliminated, based on goal difference. 

While many expect Spain to coast towards victory, their manager Fernando Hierro warned and promised that there will be zero complacency from his side.

"We can't afford to relax..We need to be awake with our eyes open and be aware that Morocco aren't going to give anything away," said Hierro, who replaced new Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui a day before the tournament started. 

For Portugal all hopes lie on their main man Cristiano Ronaldo whose 4 goals so far have accumulated the 4 points that Portugal has achieved. All eyes will be on him yet again as he battles to guide Portugal towards another international trophy following the Euro 2016 win.