Along with Germany v England, this is the standout tie of the round of 16, pitting together two of the most exciting sides of this World Cup. Spain, finally,  are where they expected to be, in Cape Town playing the side that finished second in Group G, whom they must have suspected would be Portugal. Nevertheless, although Xabi Alonso should have recovered from a twisted ankle, there are still concerns about the form and fitness of Fernando Torres, who has been thoroughly eclipsed by his strike partner, David Villa. While his manager, Vicente Del Bosque argues that the Liverpool forward has done a job by diverting the attention of defenders from Villa, Torres himself realises he has been below par. “The team is where it wanted to be, even though we haven’t reached the level we know we are capable of,” he said. “I have been lacking a bit and it is not easy to return after a knee operation.” Del Bosque is likely to field much the same side that overcame Chile to top their group, although it is unlikely the Portuguese will be quite so disorganised as Marcelo Bielsa’s side were.

It says something for the way his has led his team that Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted man of the match in each one of Portugal’s three group fixtures. On the ground where they routed North Korea 7-0, he will need all his leadership skills against a side who resemble the Barcelona of the international game. Ronaldo’s team-mate, Simao, remarked that was vital Portugal kept pressing the European champions and be as aggressive as the laws allow. Since seven of Carlos Queiroz’s likely starting line up are on yellow cards already, they cannot however afford too many risks. And quite simply Portugal, who managed one goal in three knockout games in Germany four years ago, have to start being sharper in attack. Spain certainly will be. Del Bosque might have thought Portugal had the better of their goalless draw with Brazil but he would surely prefer to be facing his neighbours.

Given all the accolades that have accompanied Spain to South Africa it might come as a suprise to learn that Portugal have tended to have the edge in their recent encounters, winning three of the last four, including in the group stages of Euro 2004. And unlike Spain, who have never gone further than the quarters, Portugal have reached two semi-finals in 1966 and again 40 years later. They also have an edge in that they have played at Green Point before in the 7-0 rout of North Korea, while this will be Spain’s first taste of Cape Town. Cristiano Ronaldo might not be garnering the headlines like Lionel Messi but he is enjoying a quietly impressive tournament. Nevertheless, everything else favours Spain. They are gradually growing into the tournament after the early hiccup against Switzerland and will not be under more pressure than they were against Chile when they could have finished anywhere between first and last in their group. It will be tight, it will be tough but Portugal’s traditional difficulty in front of goal and Spain’s fluidity should see the favourites through. Verdict: Spain to win.