World Cup heavyweights Spain and Portugal are looking forward to booking a berth for the round of 16 as they are playing their final group league games against Morocco and Iran respectively.

Spain was knocked out during stage four years ago in Brazil, but the 2010 champions are on course to reach the knockout phase in Russia despite sacking their coach on the eve of the tournament. They just need one point against Morocco in Kaliningrad to secure qualification under their new coach Fernando Hierro. "We can't afford to relax... We need to be awake with our eyes open and be aware that Morocco isn't going to give anything away," warned Hierro, who replaced Julen Lopetegui a day before the tournament kicked off.

Portugal will be up against their former coach Carlos Queiroz and his Iran in their final Group B game in Saransk. Cristiano Ronaldo's side will sail into the second round with a draw, but an upset win for Iran would see either the European champions or Spain suffer a shock exit.

Predicting a “tough battle,” Portugal boss Fernando Santos said, “Both teams have something to win and also to lose, neither has more to win than the other.”

“We've seen all the qualifying games, not just those at the World Cup, and we've seen they're a very organized team,” Santos added.

“They have quality players, with the experience of two successive World Cups and some of them are playing in big leagues like Spain, Greece or Russia.”

Meanwhile, Iran, who beat Morocco in their opening game before losing to Spain, are trying to reach the latter stages of the World Cup for the first time.

Iran must win in Saransk to prolong their Russian adventure and will take heart from a narrow 1-0 loss against Spain, a game decided by a fluke Diego Costa strike.

Interestingly, Iran coach Queiroz is a long-time friend of Santos and the former Real Madrid boss, and Manchester United assistant admitted it would be “a special day” facing his homeland but said friendships would be put to one side as he bids to make history with Iran. “We have to be realistic, we're going to play against one of the strongest teams at the moment, Queiroz said. “Portugal are not only a contender; they're one of the favorites for the title.”

(With AFP input)