Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso will face each other tonight as Spain meet Austria in the World Cup round of 32.
Tottenham list both defenders in the knockout fixture, with kick-off set for 8pm BST at Los Angeles Stadium. The tie gives Roberto De Zerbi a useful look at two Spurs defenders who could shape the right side of his back line next season.
Tottenham’s World Cup hub places Porro and Danso on opposite sides of the fixture, while the Evening Standard lists the Spain v Austria venue as Los Angeles Stadium.
Porro has already made his mark at the tournament. Tottenham confirmed he played the full 90 minutes in Spain’s 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, his first World Cup appearance and 19th senior cap.
Danso has also had a busy group stage. Spurs reported that he featured as Austria reached the knockouts through a 3-3 draw with Algeria, sealed by a 96th-minute equaliser.
For Tottenham, the comparison is useful.
Porro offers attacking width, technical quality and final-third threat from right-back. Danso brings recovery pace, duel strength and centre-back security.
De Zerbi will need both types of defender if Spurs are to look more balanced next season. Porro can give Tottenham thrust from full-back, but his positioning behind the ball will matter in a high-risk system. Danso can offer protection when games open up, especially if Spurs commit more players forward.
The World Cup headline will belong to whoever reaches the last 16. For Tottenham, the more important detail is how Porro and Danso handle a knockout game with real pressure attached.
