Spain get stern test against Portugal

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP):

Spain face their sternest World Cup test against Portugal today, with Cristiano Ronaldo standing in the way of a spot in the quarter-finals.

The Iberian neighbours have limped into the last 16, scantly looking like the world's second and third-ranked nations. But they know that one quality performance is all that is needed for an enviable quarter-final against either Paraguay or Japan.

The match promises to be a tense battle among players who know each other well. Seven of the Portuguese play in Spain's top league, including captain Ronaldo. And there are a total 14 players from the squads that met six years ago in their last major encounter - a 1-0 win for Portugal that knocked Spain out of the 2004 European Championship.

"It's all for the winner and nothing for the loser now," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said. "We are motivated and prepared to leave it all on the field."

Xabi Alonso is a doubt for Spain with a right ankle sprain, and 21-year-old midfielder, Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao, may take his place. Playmaker Cesc Fabregas and winger David Silva also are in the reckoning for Spain, who are yet to have a single player booked.

Portugal have seven players carrying yellow cards, including Ronaldo, but no suspensions. Midfielder Deco is likely to return from a right hip injury, but speedy forward Danny may be unavailable.

During the pre-game training session yesterday, Danny was walking around with a limp so heavy it seemed unlikely he could recover in time for today's match. Deco, however, was training with most of the group.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said his team needs to improve after failing to impress in its first three matches.

"We've already suffered quite a bit," he said. "They've been hard days and they've strengthened us."

Spain entered the World Cup as a favourite, with Ronaldo's Portugal not far behind. And in a topsy-turvy World Cup, these two teams have made it to where they are supposed to be - despite early hiccups.

The Spaniards won their group after a shock opening loss to Switzerland, beating Honduras 2-0 and 10-man Chile 2-1; Portugal finished second in their group behind Brazil after their 7-0 thrashing of North Korea compensated for scoreless draws with the Ivory Coast, and a largely second-string Selecao.

Fleeting flair

Neither team has lived up to its hype, offering only fleeting moments of flair despite their talent.

Spain, the reigning European champions, dominate ball possession in a midfield run by Barcelona pair Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, while top marksman David Villa has been mainly responsible for their scoring. Still, it is the end product that has been lame, with Fernando Torres particularly wasteful in the group matches as he finds his way back from knee surgery.

"The most important thing is that he's played three games and he's better," Del Bosque said. "Though he hasn't brought goals, he's a player who has helped us because he draws the defence, as he's such a threat to our opponents. With space, he's always a dangerous player."

Portugal, who had previously relied on the guile of Deco and star quality of Ronaldo, is a different team at this tournament.

The back line has hardened, with Bruno Alves more assured than Pepe in central defence, and Eduardo's positioning a vast improvement over deposed goalkeeper Ricardo. It is the only team that has not conceded a goal in South Africa.

But aside from the destruction of North Korea, the attack has looked disjointed.

"We're playing Cristiano but also a great team, a generation of players that have played together for years and one of the strongest rivals at this World Cup," del Bosque said. "I don't think we should worry so much over the individuals. They play like a true team. They defend well. They're well organised, are strong on the counter-attack. They get out quickly."