Portugal vs Spain was arguably the game of the Group Stage already but the former World champions sacking their head coach Julen Lopetegui has added an extra spice to proceedings – as if it was needed.
Fernando Hierro will take charge of Spain – if only in name. It looks more like the players will govern themselves with Sergio Ramos at the helm.
As they look to find their feet, they only have to face the most destructive goalscorer at the World Cup in Russia in Cristiano Ronaldo. It will certainly be interesting.
Follow all the live action below…
Live Updates
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15:27
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the biggest game of the World Cup so far as Portugal take on neighbours Spain at 7pm BST.
15:32
Read Miguel Delaney's preview of the big game on Friday night and how Spain will cope without their manager, especially when faced with the deadliest striker on Earth...
15:50
What does Jose Mourinho make of Portugal's chances?
16:15
A lot has been made of Cristiano Ronaldo's future in the build-up to this game, but his teammates are certain he is fully committed...
16:40
Here is everything you need to know about Portugal's World Cup squad...
Portugal World Cup squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more
The IndependentPROFILE: With the tournament only days away we take an in-depth look at all 32 teams in Russia
17:00
For Spain, the preparation has been far from ideal.
17:20
Have a series of egotistical decisions thrown Spain's World Cup dream into a nightmare?
17:40
Do Real Madrid really think they're bigger than Spain?
17:42
The team news in from Sochi.
First up, Portugal. Looks like a 4-3-3 with Valencia's in-form Goncalo Guedes on one flank and Manchester City title winner Bernardo Silva on the other.
Oh yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo is up front. He's meant to be pretty handy.
17:45
Now, Spain. Managerless Spain.
It's 4-2-3-1 for La Roja with Sergio Busquets holding alongside Koke.
A very naughty looking trio of David Silva, Isco and Andres Iniesta are ahead of them with that man Diego Costa getting the nod up front.
Woof.
18:00
Julen Lopetegui is there person at the centre of the whole debacle - and he regrets the way it was all handled...
18:18
It's a clash of two of the heavyweights of European football, and on paper the most exciting clash of the World Cup so far. From Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, to David Silva and Andres Iniesta there's quality everywhere you look.
Stay with us for all the build up with kick off at 7:00pm
18:20
Spanish media are reporting Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed a 18m euro fine and suspended prison sentence for tax fraud.
It's no coincidence that it was published by Spanish media hours before Spain play Portugal, surely?
18:30
Plenty has been said of Cristiano Ronaldo but what of his international teammates?
Current European champions they are far from a one-man team, with one of their brightest stars Bernardo Silva, a Premier League champion with Manchester City and a really exciting attacking talent that loves to play between the lines. Jose Fonte, now playing in China plays alongside the vast experience of Pepe in the centre of defence.
Diego Costa vs Pepe will be a battle to look out for early on.
18:34
With both Morocco and Iran showing defensive weaknesses in their game earlier this afternoon, it's likely Portugal and Spain will be fighting it out for top spot in Group B.
Even though it's the opener for both sides, it could be the most important game of both of their campaigns, with the result here pivotal as to who they could face in the knockout rounds of the tournament
18:42
A crazy week for Spain, but now it's time for togetherness, with less than 20 minutes to go until kick off Spain's will be determined to put off the field matters to the back of their minds
18:45
With Mohamed Salah having to sit out Egypt's opener against Uruguay, Sergio Ramos has already made an impact on this World Cup.
But what can he do this evening? Dangerous in the opposition box, and familiar with Ronaldo his performance could be key tonight
18:53
Less than 10 minutes from kick off in the most highly-anticipated game of the World Cup so far. The Olympic stadium plays host, and the muggy, humid atmosphere looks to help Spain with their pinpoint passing.
The teams are in the tunnel and ready to walk out to a massive roar.
18:57
From tax evasion and coaching issues, we aren't the only ones willing this game to get going.
How much will all of that play a part? We'll see, but either way expect quality, drama and brilliant entertainment as two of the best footballing countries in the world go head to head.
19:00
KICK OFF: Spain and Diego Costa get us underway in this highly anticipated clash.
Can it live up to expectations?
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What time is kick-off?
Portugal vs Spain kicks off at 7pm BST.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown on the BBC.
Odds
Portugal: 3/1
Spain: 11/10
Draw: 41/20
Prediction
Portugal 2-2 Spain. Expect goals and a lot of disorganisation as Spain try and coach themselves and Portugal look to take advantage of it.
But who do you think will win? Let us know by voting above.
