Match Previews

Spain do not have any players out with suspension for their opening match. They have one injury concern, with Dani Carvajal doubtful. Coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked two days before this match, with sporting director Fernando Hierro taking over.

Spain come into the World Cup without having a lost a single match since Euro 2016.

They have warmed up for the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Spain and with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia in Russia.

There are no Spain players suspended for this opening match against Portugal.

Even though he is back in training, starting right-back Dani Carvajal is still a doubt after he suffered a thigh injury when representing Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Alvaro Odriozola is the backup right-back and performed well when replacing Carvajal in the two recent friendlies, even scoring the goal against Switzerland.

Gerard Pique was a doubt as well after he had to leave Monday training early with a slight knee issue, but he returned the next day and is expected to be fine to play.

Spain's preparations have been severely hampered by the sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday, after he accepted the Real Madrid job. He has been replaced by sporting director Fernando Hierro.

There is still a major doubt over who will start for Spain up front. Iago Aspas and Diego Costa are two very different kinds of strikers and it remains to be seen who'll be given the start against Portugal.