World Cup draw highlighted by Portugal-Spain pairing
A mouthwatering clash between Spain and Portugal highlighted Friday’s World Cup draw, pitting Cristiano Ronaldo against several of his Real Madrid club teammates.
The ceremony at the Kremlin pulled up a number of tantalizing match-ups, yet none more appetizing than the heavyweight battle between the two European neighbors, who will meet in Group B in Sochi on June 15.
Host nation Russia will be happy with its draw, having been pitted against Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the tournament and also facing Egypt and Uruguay in Group A.
Mexico was out of luck and will take on defending champion Germany in its crucial first match in Group F, while also coming up against in-form Sweden and a tough South Korea squad.
Due to the absence of several regular qualifiers, such as Italy, the Netherlands, Chile and the United States, there was no infamous “Group of Death” this time around.
Brazil faces a tough challenge in its first game, taking on Switzerland, which won nine out of 10 in its European qualifying group. Costa Rica, one of the USA’s CONCACAF conquerors, also populates Group E, along with Serbia.
Lionel Messi, along with Ronaldo the standout stars of this generation, may be due to take part in his last World Cup and will be seeking to finally add a major international trophy to his club resume. Argentina begins against European underdog Iceland, which will bid to repeat its dream run at the 2016 European Championships.
The World Cup runs from June 14 to July 15 and will be staged across 12 stadiums in 11 Russian cities.