Ronaldo starts for Portugal against Spain, Silva benched

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Cristiano Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s starting line-up for the last-16 showdown against Spain on Monday as he bids to extend his last World Cup.

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The 41-year-old will captain Roberto Martinez’s side as they face the European champions at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

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With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Ronaldo will be in the centre of a front three featuring Al Nassr team-mate Joao Felix and Pedro Neto of Chelsea.

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Bernardo Silva must again make do with a place on the bench.

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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also did not spring any surprises.

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They are captained by Manchester City midfield general Rodri and boast an attacking line-up of Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal.

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While Ronaldo is playing at his last World Cup, the 18-year-old Barcelona winger Yamal is at the opposite end of his career.

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The winners play co-hosts the United States or Belgium in the last eight.

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Ronaldo, the leading scorer in the history of international men’s football, has three goals in four matches so far in North America.

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AFP

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