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World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 15, 2018 at 7pm UK
 
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3-3

Ronaldo (4' pen., 44', 88')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Costa (24', 55'), Nacho (58')

Team News: Diego Costa leads Spain line versus Portugal

:Headline: Team News: Diego Costa leads Spain line versus Portugal: ID:328418: from db_amp
New Spain boss Fernando Hierro starts with Diego Costa in attack for their World Cup opener with Portugal.

New Spain boss Fernando Hierro has started with Diego Costa in attack for their World Cup opener with Portugal.

Hierro only replaced Julen Lopetegui earlier this week and the Real Madrid legend has opted against any major changes to the team which had been expected to begin the encounter against the European champions.

Costa features as the lone striker with Isco and David Silva in close support, although there is a surprise at right-back as Nacho starts ahead of Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola.

As for Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo takes his place at the head of the team's frontline, with Bernardo Silva and Goncalo Guedes getting the nod on either flank.

William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho and Bruno Fernandes make up a compact midfield three, while Jose Fonte joins Pepe in the centre of defence.

Earlier on Friday, a last-gasp own goal saw Iran register victory over Morocco.

Portugal: Patricio; Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Carvalho, Moutinho, Fernandes, B.Silva, Guedes; Ronaldo

Spain: De Gea; Nacho, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke; Iniesta, Silva, Isco; Costa

Follow the fixture in Sochi with Sports Mole's live commentary.

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