Spain and Portugal’s first game of the 2018 World Cup on Friday is about to begin. But at this very moment 256 years ago, Portugal and Spain were at war.
Fighting against Britain during the Seven Years’ War, Spain and France sought to dominate Britain’s small but stalwart ally by invading northeastern Portugal in 1762. With their vastly superior economic and military power, and facing a Portuguese kingdom still rebuilding from a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami seven years earlier, the invaders expected a quick victory.
It was not to be. Arrogantly assuming the Portuguese would crumble in face of their forces, the invaders failed to establish supply lines to maintain their advance. Harassed by Portuguese rebels who took refuge in the hilly terrain, the Spanish were forced to retreat without supplies and a feasible means of sustained advance.
The Spanish soon re-invaded with a more powerful force. Pushed back towards Lisbon, the Portuguese recovered under the superb command of a German, Count Lippe, and with the support of a small British-led force. Once again, even with its vastly superior strength, the Spanish army failed to force a decisive battle, and its advance fell apart as the Portuguese prevented its resupply.
The third and final invasion would be Spain’s final effort. Facing a far better-organized Portuguese army, the final Spanish invasion force was stopped in its tracks. A request for peace was tendered and accepted.
For Portugal, the victory remains a source of immense pride. But for the Spanish, there is one consolation at this time: They have the far better soccer side!
