🇪🇸🇵🇹 Close neighbours: 3 key questions ahead of Spain v Portugal today | OneFootball

The match between Spain and Portugal on Thursday, July 3, in St. Gallen is not just another one. At stake is much more than a qualification: the first place in the group for the Spanish and the hope of advancing for the Portuguese, in a context deeply marked by emotion.

The recent death of international player Diogo Jota has shaken all of Portuguese football, and the women's team will honor him on the field with a black armband and a minute of silence. On the Spanish side, the news is no less significant. The suspension of Irene Paredes, carried over from the qualifying stage against the Czech Republic, forces Montse Tomé to restructure the defensive axis.

In addition, the question remains about Aitana Bonmatí, who has not yet debuted in this EURO after overcoming viral meningitis. With these ingredients, the duel is shaping up to be one of the most tense and emotional of the day. These are the three big questions of the match.

Can Spain maintain its defensive solidity without Irene Paredes?

The suspension of the Barcelona center-back leaves the team without one of its natural leaders. Everything points to the pair formed by Laia Aleixandri and María Méndez occupying the center of the defense, with Ona Batlle and Olga Carmona on the wings. Although both have performed well in training, this will be their first big test together in an official match. "We fully trust all the players," Tomé assured in the pre-match press conference, downplaying the loss.

Will we finally see Aitana Bonmatí on the field?

The FC Barcelona player has been gradually entering the group dynamics, but her physical condition is still not optimal. Montse Tomé has avoided confirming whether she will have minutes: "Aitana is progressing well, but we are not going to rush," she stated. With Spain well positioned in the table, everything points to a possible entry from the bench if the script of the match allows it.

Can the emotional factor boost Portugal in the face of a huge challenge?

The Portuguese team will play with black armbands and a minute of silence will be observed in memory of Diogo Jota, who passed away just a few days ago. The locker room has privately shown its pain, and the atmosphere in the camp has been especially emotionally charged. Although there have been no public statements from the captains, the message is clear: this match will also be a tribute. The question is how the team will manage this emotional burden against a powerful Spain.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 FABRICE COFFRINI - AFP or licensors