It's tough enough being in the same World Cup group as your neighbor. But for Spain and Portugal, things go well beyond that, as they prepare for tonight's meeting in Group B Sochi. The Spaniards won the football showpiece in 2010, while the Portuguese are the reigning European champions. And to get the perspective of fans and analysts on both sides, Al Goodman racked up the miles between the two Iberian capitals.

It's a question of two football rivals: Portugal, led by its Real Madrid star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, now in Russia for the World Cup. And its neighbor, Spain, also in Russia. Two great football countries, hungry for more glory. Spain has already won the World Cup once. And Portugal is the reigning European football champion. Two giants who will meet in their first match of the Group Stage. In Lisbon, many see Portugal right on track, capable of bringing home more silverware.

Al GOODMAN LISBON / MADRID "Portugal's victory in the Euro 2016 tournament was its first international football trophy. So here in Lisbon, and across the country, they think it's time for a second one -- in the World Cup."

"But not so fast they say here in Madrid. Spain won the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. Now, many think the rebuilt team has a good chance, again."

Although the sudden sacking of manager Julen Lopetegui, after the surprise news he's been hired as Real Madrid's new manager, is causing concern.

JUAN CASTRO SPANISH SPORTSWRITER "What he changed is the mentality, in the sense that he has to renew the illusion, to renew the will to win in the players. Because they were not successful in the last World Cup."

Four years ago. This Madrid journalist says younger attacking players now have bigger roles, backed by a veteran defense. Portugal also has rising young stars who've diversified the team, says this Lisbon journalist. But Cristiano Ronaldo looms large.

MARCO VAZA PORTUGUESE SPORTSWRITER "I still think that much of Portugal's chances will rely on whether he's in good shape or not in Russia."

He'll be fine, says this medical student from Puerto Rico, buying his jersey in Lisbon for her brother, and she says Portugal will beat Spain.

LAURA PUMAREJO MEDICAL STUDENT "So, Cristiano Ronaldo's gonna play, they (Spain) don't stand a chance. Portugal. Most definitely."

Not so, says this Spaniard, shopping with his son in Madrid for a team jersey.

JUAN ANTONIO FERNANDEZ ACCOUNTANT "Even though Portugal has Cristiano, Spain has more players in their respective positions, who are better individually than Portugal's players."

"It was so difficult, so hard, to win the first one, that we also consider that to win the second one, it will be even more difficult."

"Obviously I want to say Portugal, but I don't dare to say that with certainty, just with my heart."

In their heads, both sides know they need to win this big first match. Al Goodman, CGTN, Madrid.