India, July 3 -- It really doesn't matter how you try to win a World Cup but there also can be no doubt about the assertiveness with which Spain thrashed Austria, or the lack of it with which Portugal scraped to a win against Croatia in the last-32 matches on Thursday. Looking increasingly comfortable in its identity, Spain dismantled Austria 3-0 through patient control and sustained superiority. Portugal, on the other hand, survived a frantic 2-1 victory that demanded resilience as much as quality, requiring a stoppage time winner from Goncalo Ramos after a contest dominated by VAR interventions, disallowed goals, missed chances, rebounds and the enduring influence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The result is an enticing last-16 meeting between ...