World Cup 2018: How Spain and Portugal could end up having to draw names out of hat to decide knockout stage fate

PORTUGAL and Spain could have their World Cup fate decided by a lottery if their final group games end identically.

The European neighbours drew their opening Group B match 3-3 and both won their second match 1-0.

6

The only thing on the scoring criteria separating the two teams, with one game remaining, is the yellow card Portugal ace Adrien Silva was handed.

That caution means Spain lead Portugal through fair play conduct which Fifa use as the seventh factor to determine group rankings.

The eighth ranking system is drawing lots which would be the cruellest of ways to deny a nation top spot or progress to the next round.

Silva's last-gasp yellow for time-wasting in the final seconds of the win over Morocco was Portugal's second of the competition, while Spain have just one.

6

6

6

WE'RE RON THE BALL All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup

latest world cup news

Getting Shirty

Meet the football kit salesmen who boasts Beckham's pants among collection

HORROR ORDEAL

Brit gang-rape victims bravely fought off attacker by biting him, say cops

RU BEAUTY

Who is Ruby Mae and how long has she been with Dele Alli?

PRETTY WOMAN

Amanda Holden spotted in £85 Forever Unique 'Pretty Woman' dress

6

6

Spain face Morocco next and Portugal play Iran on the same Monday.

If the scorelines are identical and Spain pick up one more yellow card than Portugal then they'll have to draw lots afterwards to decide who goes through.

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets picked up Spain’s only booking against Portugal and Bruno Fernandes levelled things up in the same thrilling game.