WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018 18

Ronaldo seeks encoreCRISTIANO AFP | Moscow snatched a thrilling 3-3 draw at Euro 2016, Portugal are not MoroccoRONALDO did not concede a for the European champions widely viewed as among the single goal in the final quali- ristiano Ronaldo will against in a heavyweight favourites in Russia but can take fying round as theyPORTUGAL sealed a attempt to follow up Group B showdown in Sochi. a big step towards the last 16 CreturnRISTIANO to the WorldFORWARD Cup • AGEfor 33 his World Cup open - It was Ronaldo’s 51st career with victory over Morocco in the first time in 20 years, but C FIFA World Cup 2018 RONALDO ing game heroics for Portugal hat-trick, and the 51st in the Moscow today. their knockoutArguably hopes the hang most by against a Morocco side licking tournament’sPortugal v history, Morocco as the It will be just the second a thread aftercomplete a 95th-minute player in the their wounds after a crushing Real MadridGroup B,star June became 20 just meeting between the two coun- own goalPORTUGAL world.by Aziz 5 Ballons Bouhad d'Or,- 4 last-gasp defeat. the fourthLuzhniki playerStadium, Moscowto score in tries, after Morocco beat - douz againstFORWARDChampions Iran. • AGE 33 League titles, A hat-trick from the five- four World Cups. gal 3-1 in the group stage at the time world player of the year Despite lifting the trophy 1986 finals. Arguably thePOSITION most FIFA World Cup 2018 FIFA World Cup 2018 CRISTIANO Portugal v Morocco Portugal v Morocco complete player in the Group B, June 20 Group B, June 20 Real Madrid Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow world. 5 BallonsRONALDO d'Or, 4 Spain Champions League titles, Portugal 4 FIFA rank 41 Morocco POR 3-3 ESP Match 1 MAR 0-1 IRN PORTUGAL . m /  kg 4 FIFA rank 41 4 FIFA rank 41 POSITION FORWARD • AGE 33 POR 3-3 ESP Match 1 MAR 0-1 IRN HEAD-TO-HEAD POR 3-3 ESP Match 1 MAR 0-1 IRN Andre Silva will hope for a recall but HEAD-TO-HEAD HEAD-TO-HEAD Herve Renard has may opt against Portugal 0 PortugalMorocco 1 0 MoroccoPortugal 0 1 Morocco 1 ArguablyReal the most Madrid Gonçalo Guedes should keep his place up changes to Morocco’s starting XI despite completeSpain player in the front with . falling to a shock 1-0 defeat to Iran in world. 5 Ballons d'Or, 4 Recent Recent Champions. League m /  kgtitles, No changes are expected from themeetings side Draws 0 meetings Draws 0their first match. that drew 3-3 with Spain on Friday1986 night.Portugal 1-3 Morocco 1986 Portugal 1-3 Morocco Strengths WORLD CUP RECORDRecent WORLD CUP RECORD POSITION 13 Wins 2 13 Wins 2 They play with real belief under Renard Strengths 5 Draws meetings4 Draws5 0 Draws 4 INTERNATIONAL RECORD Ronaldo is still the focal point but9 play- Losses 8 9 Losses 8 and Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech is one of the Real Madrid 1.70 Goals for* 19860.86 Portugal 1-3 Morocco1.70 Goals for* 0.86 Spain 1.19 Goals against* 1.36 1.19 Goals against* 1.36  GOALS ers such as , André*Per matchSilva © GRAPHIC NEWS *Per match © GRAPHIC NEWSmost talented in Europe. WORLD CUP RECORD  MATCHES and Gelson Martins have gained more . m /  kg 13 Wins 2 Weaknesses     experience and are able to support him 5 Draws 4 The first-choice goalkeeper, Munir Mo- better up front. 9 Losses 8 hand Mohamedi, started only one leagueINTERNATIONAL RECORD WORLD CUP Weaknesses 1.70 Goals for* 0.86 game for Numancia in Spain’s second tier EURO  GOALS The central defence is a worry with only 1.19 Goals against* 1.36 and is bound to be rusty. OLYMPIC GAMES  MATCHES Pepe - who is not getting any younger - *Per match © GRAPHIC NEWS OTHER MAJOR HONOURS guaranteed a starting place, with Bruno Match Facts  INTERNATIONAL  RECORD   Alves and José Fonte out of form.  WORLDGOALS CUP BALLON D'OR There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 9 of Morocco’s last 11 WC EURO MATCHES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE games    OLYMPIC  GAMESSPAIN Portugal have scored at least 2 goals in 9 of their last 10 WC matches WORLD CUPENGLAND Portugal are undefeated in their last 10 WC matches OTHER MAJOR HONOURS Winner Finalist ParticipationEURO Sources: Transfertmarkt, Liga OLYMPIC GAMES As of May 29, 2018 BALLON D'OR OTHER MAJOR HONOURS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPAIN LABALLON LIGA D'OR PREVIEW ENGLANDCHAMPIONS PREMIER LEAGUE LEAGUE SPAIN LA LIGA Winner Finalist Participation ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE Sources: Transfertmarkt, Liga As of May 29, 2018 Winner Finalist Participation Spain’s date with destiny Sources: Transfertmarkt, Liga As of May 29, 2018 AFP | Kazan, Russia SERGIO len Lopetegui following an an- I think we are I am very happy, it’s a nouncement by Real Madrid stronger than Morocco nice personal record panish sayRAMOS today’s SERGIOthat he would join European if we compare the to have, one more in Smatch against Iran will determine champions after tournament. two teams, but I’m my career. For me the their World Cup destiny as they seek SPAINto RAMOSFernando Hierro, Spain’s register their first win in Russia followDEFENDER- sporting • AGE 32 director, is now at not saying the game most important thing is will be easy for us. We cannotFIFA World Cup 2018to emphasise what the ing a gripping draw against Portugal.A towering defenderthe helm with a but barely a week Champions in 2010 and among fa- into theSPAIN tournament La Roja underestimate them and must team did against one big-match temperament.DEFENDER Has • AGE 32 Uruguay v Saudi Arabia vourites this year, Spain’s ambitionsone of the finest -- recordsexpected in to join Brazil, have respect for any opponent.Group A, June 20 of the favourites to win Rostov Arena were kept in check, almost single-handmodern world- A Germanytowering football defender and France with a in the Any game at the World Cup is this WorldCup edly, by Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. big-matchlatter stages temperament. -- have Has en - difficult CRISTIANO RONALDO The draw came just two daysPOSITION after onedured of the morefinest records drama in than PORTUGAL STRIKERFIFA World ANDRE Cup 2018 SILVA Spain’s campaign was thrown into dis- modernthey wouldworld football have wantedDuels FIFA World Cup 2018 Real Madrid lost Uruguay v Saudi Arabia Uruguay v Saudi Arabia array by shock sacking of coach Ju - or expected.Spain Group A, June 20 Group A, June 20 43 Rostov Arena Rostov Arena POSITION 1.83 m / 75 kg 14 FIFA rank 67 SERGIO Duels Uruguay URU 1-0 EGY Match 1 KSA 0-5 RUS Saudi Arabia RealDuels Madrid lost won 14 FIFA rank 67 HEAD-TO-HEAD 14 FIFA rank 67 Spain URU EGY KSA RUS RAMOS Oscar Tabarez may opt 1-0 againstMatch 1 0-5 URU 1-0 EGY Match 1 KSASaudi 0-5 RUS Arabia manager Juan 43 HEAD-TO-HEAD Draws 1 S. ArabiaHEAD-TO-HEAD 1 changes to the teamDraws after 1 UruguayS. Arabia 1 Draws 1 S.Antonio Arabia 1 Pizzi will contem- 681.83 m / 75 kg SPAIN claimed a 1-0 win over Egypt in their plate changes after his side It’s a crucial match DEFENDER • AGE 32 HIS PERFORMANCEDuels WITH CLUB first match. lost their World Cup opener won Recent Recent that will determine (2017-2018) meetings Uruguay 0 meetings Uruguay 0 INTERNATIONALA towering defender RECORD with a In La Liga Luis Suarez turned in2014 anSaudi eye-catching Arabia 1-1 Uruguay 2014 Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguayagainst Russia 5-0. 2002 Saudi Arabia 3-2 Uruguay Recent 2002 Saudi Arabia 3-2 Uruguay our World Cup big-match temperament. Has performance for all the wrong rea- Strengths 13 GOALS WORLD CUP RECORD meetings UruguayWORLD 0 CUP RECORD 68 21 Wins 2 21 2 one of the finest records in sons but will stay in the starting XI. Wins The three attacking midfield- destiny. We want 152 MATCHES 12 Draws 2 2014 Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay12 Draws 2 modern world football 19 Losses 10 19 Losses ers10 in Pizzi’s 4-2-3-1 – Salem to score from the HIS PERFORMANCE WITH CLUB Strengths1.56 Goals for* 0.64 2002 Saudi Arabia 3-2 Uruguay1.56 Goals for* 0.64 2005 2010 2015 2018 1.37 Goals against* 2.64 1.37 Goals against* 2.64 (2017-2018) The obvious*Per match strength© GRAPHIC NEWSof *Per match © GRAPHICal-Dawsari, NEWS Yahya al-Shehri opening minute, POSITIONFIFA World Cup 2018 WORLD CUP RECORD INTERNATIONAL RECORDWORLD CUP In La Liga this team lies up front and Fahad al-Muwallad – are even though that EURODuels LUIS21 Wins 2 Iran v SpainReal Madrid lost GOALS with Luis Suárez and talented players who will 13 Spain 12 DrawsLUIS 2 won’t be easy Group B, June 20 MATCHES Kazan Arena 43 152 Edinson Cavani formingSUAREZ 19 Losses 10 expect to test any defence in SPANISH PLAYMAKER ISCO 1.83 m / 75 kg 1.56 Goals for* 0.64 Russia. 2005 2010 CHAMPIONS2015 2018 LEAGUE one of the SUAREZ 1.37 2.64 DuelsSPAIN LA LIGA tourna- URUGUAYGoals against* Weaknesses won WORLD CUP *Per match © GRAPHIC NEWS Winner Finalist Participation ment’s FORWARD • AGE 31 The defence is experienced FIFA World Cup 2018 FIFA World Cup 2018 EURO URUGUAY Sources: Transfermarkt/Liga As of May 29, 2018 Iran v Spain 68Iran v Spain most potent partnerships. FORWARD • AGEbut 31 susceptible to pace and Group B, June 20 Group B, June 20 One of the world’s most Kazan Arena Kazan Arena Weaknesses rarely plays against the kind HIS PERFORMANCE WITH CLUB exciting forwards. Will form a 37 FIFA rank 10 No obvious weaknesses but the of top-calibre attackers you (2017-2018) CHAMPIONS LEAGUE fearsome duo with his One of the world’s most Iran IRNINTERNATIONAL 1-0 MAR Match RECORD 1 ESP 3-3 PORIn La Liga left-sided Cristian find at the World Cup. SPAINSpain LA LIGA compatriot Edinson Cavaniexciting forwards. Will form a 13 37 GOALSFIFA rank 10 37 FIFA rank 10 HEAD-TO-HEAD Rodríguez, at 32,fearsome is not getting duo any with his IRN 1-0 MAR Match 1 ESP 3-3 POR Winner Finalist IRN 1-0MATCHES ParticipationMAR Match 1 ESP 3-3 POR 152 POSITION is back fromHEAD-TO-HEAD First meeting HEAD-TO-HEADNacho will keep his place in the start- quicker. Sources: Transfermarkt/Liga As of May 29, 2018 compatriot Edinson Cavani First meeting 2005 2010 2015 2018 First meeting suspension for Iran but may have WORLD CUP RECORD ing XI if fails to prove his WORLD CUP RECORD WORLD CUP RECORD Barcelona 2 Wins 29 2 WORLDWins CUP 29 to settle for a place on the bench 2 Wins 29 fitness in time. Spain Head 3 Draws 13 3 Draws 13 LUIS POSITION 8 Losses 18 8 EUROLosses 18 against Spain. 0.62 Goals for* 1.58 3 Draws 0.6213 GoalsKoke for* and1.58 Thiago could trade places 2 1.69 Goals against* 1.15 8 Losses 1.6918 Goals against* 1.15 1.82 m / 85 kg Barcelona may resist*Per match changes© GRAPHIC NEWS *Per match in the© GRAPHIC starting NEWS XI, but few unforced SUAREZ Head 0.62 Goals for* 1.58 Spain 4 after Iran recorded a historic CHAMPIONSchanges, LEAGUE if any, are expected from Right foot 1.69 Goals against* 1.15 2 SPAIN LAFernando LIGA Hierro. URUGUAY Left foot victory over Morocco in their group *Per match © GRAPHIC NEWS 1.82 m / 85 kg opener. MatchWinner FactsFinalist Participation will keep his place in the FORWARD • AGE 31 19 Sources: Transfermarkt/Liga As of May 29, 2018 4 Strengths Iran have kept a clean team despite a terrible performance One of the world’s most Right foot Iran look far stronger up front than sheet in 13 of their last 14 against Portugal on Friday. exciting forwards. Will form aGOALS WITH HIS CLUB 2017-18 Left foot In La Liga they did in Brazil four years ago, WC matches Strengths INTERNATIONALfearsome RECORD duo with his 19 compatriot Edinson Cavani with players such as Sardar Az- Iran are undefeated in Spain have one of the strongest 51 GOALS moun, , Karim their last 19 WC matches squads at the World Cup, with the mid- POSITION98 MATCHES GOALS WITH HIS CLUB 2017-18 Ansarifard and in There have been under field, led by , Andrés In La Liga 2005 2010 INTERNATIONAL2015 2018Barcelona RECORD good form. 2.5 goals scored in 11 of Iniesta, David Silva, Asensio and Isco, Head Spain WORLD CUP Iran’s last 12 WC games 51 GOALS Weaknesses particularly impressive. COPA AMERICA 2 Central defence is a concern as Spain are undefeated in Weaknesses 1.82 m / 85 kg 98 MATCHES their last 12 WC matches OTHER MAJOR HONOURS 4 has been dropped, There is not a natural finisher in the 2005 2010 Right2015 foot 2018 There have been over CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Left foot with Queiroz seemingly undecided squad, such as a , and Diego WORLD CUP 2.5 goals scored in 7 of SPAIN LA LIGA19 about who is going to partner Costa has struggled to connect with COPA AMERICA . Spain’s last 8 WC games the midfield when he has played. NETHERLANDS CHAMPIONSHIP GOALS WITH HIS CLUB 2017-18 OTHER MAJORURUGUAY HONOURS CHAMPIONSHIP Winner Finalist Participation In La Liga INTERNATIONAL RECORD Sources: Transfertmarkt, Liga As of May 29, 2018 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 51 GOALS 98 MATCHES SPAIN LA LIGA NETHERLANDS CHAMPIONSHIP 2005 2010 2015 2018 URUGUAY CHAMPIONSHIP WORLD CUP Winner Finalist Participation COPA AMERICA Sources: Transfertmarkt, Liga As of May 29, 2018 OTHER MAJOR HONOURS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPAIN LA LIGA NETHERLANDS CHAMPIONSHIP URUGUAY CHAMPIONSHIP Winner Finalist Participation Sources: Transfertmarkt, Liga As of May 29, 2018