Portugal move into the knockouts unbeaten, although their Group Stage campaign was hardly all smooth sailing.  Roberto Martinez’s side finished second in Group K after two draws and a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, and while the talent is obvious, there’s still a feeling this side has another level to reach.  Croatia come in with some momentum after bouncing back from a 4-2 defeat to England with wins over Panama and Ghana. That is pretty standard tournament Croatia, really — hang around, find a way, and make themselves a nightmare to put away.  With Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic still capable of slowing the game down and…

Spain enter Thursday’s knockout clash in Los Angeles with favouritism firmly on their side after topping Group H and keeping things seriously tidy at the back.  La Roja made it through the Group Stage without conceding, pairing a 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia with more measured results against Cape Verde and Uruguay.  Austria, meanwhile, have taken the scenic route to the knockouts. Ralf Rangnick’s men punched their ticket after a chaotic 3-3 draw with Algeria, showing plenty of ticker but also leaving a few defensive gaps that Spain will be keen to exploit.  The Austrians are physical, organised, and capable of making life awkward if they can…