Portugal is gearing up for yet another FIFA World Cup showdown against their Iberian rivals, Spain, but they’re still grappling with a record that hasn’t budged. The two teams have only faced off twice on the grandest stage of them all, and Portugal is still in the hunt for their first World Cup victory over La Roja. Back in 2010, Spain sent Portugal packing with a narrow 1-0 win in the Round of 16, and in 2018, they played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw in the group stage. Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as the top scorer in this World Cup rivalry, having netted three goals in 2018 alone. On the Spanish side, Diego Costa scored twice during that thrilling match, while David Villa clinched the win in 2010, and Nacho Fernández also got on the scoresheet in that six-goal spectacle.

The 2018 encounter is still etched in the memories of fans as one of the most exciting World Cup battles between these neighboring nations. Ronaldo opened the scoring with a penalty, added another just before halftime thanks to a goalkeeping blunder, and then completed his hat-trick with a stunning free-kick in the 88th minute to secure a dramatic draw. The 2010 match was a nail-biter, with Villa’s rebound proving decisive in a tense knockout clash that played a crucial role in Spain’s journey to the title.

How Portugal and Spain Booked Their Place in the World Cup Round of 16

Both teams made it to the last 16, but they took quite different routes to get there. Portugal ended up second in Group K, racking up five points after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, and a goalless stalemate with Colombia. João Neves kicked things off by scoring against DR Congo, but Yoane Wissa equalized just before halftime. Ronaldo shone against Uzbekistan, netting two goals, while Nuno Mendes, an own goal, and Rafael Leão rounded out the scoring. In the Round of 32, Portugal narrowly defeated Croatia 2-1 after Ivan Perišić put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute. Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, and substitute Gonçalo Ramos headed in the winner in the 94th minute. A late equalizer from Croatia was disallowed by VAR, keeping Portugal's hopes alive. Now, they’re set to face Spain, a team they’ve never beaten in a World Cup match.

On the other hand, Spain topped Group H with seven points and didn’t let in a single goal. They kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, then cruised to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, thanks to Lamine Yamal, a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal, and an own goal. Álex Baena added the only goal in their match against Uruguay, securing first place in the group. Spain carried that winning momentum into the Round of 32, where they dominated Austria with a 3-0 victory. Oyarzabal found the net twice, scoring in the 36th and 89th minutes, while Pedro Porro chipped in with another goal in the 66th minute. Spain controlled 65 percent of possession and didn’t allow Austria a single shot on target, setting the stage for a thrilling clash against Portugal.