Spain, Portugal Face Last-32 Tests as 41-Year-Old Ronaldo Comes Under Pressure
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 2
Spain, Portugal Face Last-32 Tests as 41-Year-Old Ronaldo Comes Under Pressure
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 2
Summary
Thursday’s penultimate last-32 slate puts Spain against Austria in Los Angeles at 3 p.m. ET and Portugal against Croatia in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET, with both pre-tournament favorites under scrutiny.
Spain advanced comfortably from the group stage but have not matched their Euro 2024 intensity, with Lamine Yamal still short of full sharpness after an injury layoff.
Austria reached this tie with a 96th-minute equalizer against Algeria and are expected to press Spain aggressively, setting up a high-energy tactical test.
Portugal arrive after 2 draws in 3 games, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s limited impact raising questions over whether Roberto Martínez would bench the 41-year-old if Croatia gain control.
Croatia’s tournament pedigree and veteran core make them dangerous opponents, while Portugal are also carrying an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota in the match.