Portugal will face Switzerland in a the round 16 at the Lusail Stadium on Tuesday evening
Both Portugal and Switzerland progressed to the knockout stage after winning two games each, with the former topping Group H, and the latter placing second behind Brazil in Group G.
Portugal defeated Ghana and Uruguay, before South Korea staged a perfect comeback to defeat Portugal by 2:1 in their final group game.
Portugal have reached the semi's only twice- 1966 and 2006- after topping their group with Fernando Santos' men expected to write their names in their folklore, if history is anything to go by.
But unfortunately, the last two times the Selecão's qualified from their group, their journey ended, in South Africa 2010 and Russia 2018.
With head coach Fernando Santos admitting that he wasn't happy with the attitude of Cristiano Ronaldo after he was subbed off in their last game ,and concerns about his fitness level, the former Manchester United attacker, whose move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Nassr is said to be imminent, is expected to still lead the attack for the Selecão's.
Switzerland sealed their qualification after humbling Serbia in a pulsating 3:2 victory at the stadium 974, in their final group game, to trail Brazil on goal difference.
La Nati have failed to reach the quarter finals in their last seven attempts, and Murat Yakin's side are on the verge of making history if they edge out the 2006 semi-finalists, after only managing to reach the last eight on home soil, in 1954.
Portugal won by 4:0 in the first of their last two games in Lisbon, before Switzerland won the return fixture by 1:0 at home, in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.
Team News
With Nuno Mendez ruled out of the World Cup, Danilo remains in the treatment room, whereas Otavio is doubtful for this fixture.
Yann Sommer is expected to return to the post after missing Switzerland's last game against Serbia due to illness.
Murat Yakin will have a full house to choose from as they bid to beat Portugal.
Match Statistics
Portugal: 3 wins, 2 defeats
Switzerland: 3 wins, 3 defeats
Head-to-head(last five games)
Portugal: 3 wins, 2 defeats
Switzerland: 2 wins, 3 defeats
Probable Lineups;
Portugal: Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Cancelo; B. Silva, Neves, Carvalho; Fernandes; Felix, Ronaldo
Switzerland: Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Schar, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo
TV Channels to watch;
DSTV, beIN Sports, GOTV, ITV, BBC, FOX.
Match Officials
Cesar Arturo Ramos (Mexico)
Assistant referees: Alberto Morin and Miguel Hernandez (both Mexico)
Fourth Official: Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
Kickoff Time
19:00 GMT (7:00pm)
By: Abdul Razak Salim
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