Jose Fonte is relishing a huge FIFA World Cup meeting with Spain, after Friday’s draw pitted his Portugal side with their Iberian neighbours.
Euro 2016 winners Portugal will face 2010 world champions Spain, along with Morocco and Iran at next summer’s finals in Russia.
Fonte, who is currently working his way back from an ankle injury, played his part in qualifying as Fernando Santos’ side edged Switzerland out to head their group with nine wins from ten.
Their reward is a mouthwatering Group B clash with Spain – a game that the central defender cannot wait for.
He said: “It’s a really exciting draw for us, with three interesting games for different reasons. Obviously Spain is like a derby for us and as the first game it’s a very important one.
“You always want to get off to a good start and with the rivalry it is a massive one. Then it’s Morocco and Iran, who have a Portuguese coach, Carlos Quieroz.
“As a European nation, we don’t play Morocco or Iran as often, but we will analyse them and be prepared for when we play them.
“Any team who is European champion and has Cristiano Ronaldo will have expectations on them going into a World Cup. We won’t be favourites, but we know how to handle that pressure as a team.
“Personally, things are going well with my injury. I’m a week ahead of schedule and started doing some strengthening work on my calf today, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the pitch with West Ham.”
Elsewhere in Friday’s draw, Joe Hart’s England were drawn with Belgium, Tunisia and Panama in Group G. Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio will also be hoping to force their way into consideration for Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Chicharito is set to appear at his third World Cup and Mexico face a tough group having been matched with Germany, Sweden and South Korea.
Edimilson Fernandes has been a regular squad member for Switzerland in their successful qualifying campaign and his country will play Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica.
Two Hammers could be involved for Senegal, with captain Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho important members of their squad. The Lions of Teranga will face Poland, Colombia and Japan.
Another Hammer who will have hopes of making the trip to Russia is Manuel Lanzini, who has two caps for Argentina. They will take on Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria.