FIFA World Cup: All to know as Ronaldo’s Portugal play Spain in the last 16

The football world's attention turns to Dallas as Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain face off in a marquee match-up of the FIFA World Cup. This encounter, one of the biggest of the tournament, carries the weight of history and a place in the quarterfinals on the line.

A major talking point surrounding Portugal is the involvement of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. While he became the first man to score in six World Cups with two goals against Uzbekistan, his overall impact and decision to start him have been debated. He played every minute of the opening draw and the goalless match against Colombia, but was substituted late in the Croatia game, showing visible frustration.

Coach Roberto Martinez faces a significant tactical decision: whether to start Ronaldo or Goncalo Ramos, the player who replaced him and scored a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the previous round. Ronaldo was notably dropped for a similar last 16 clash in the Qatar World Cup. This Spain defense, however, presents a formidable challenge, aiming to keep an unprecedented streak intact.

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