Spain captain Rodri paid a heartfelt tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after his side edged Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 in Dallas on 7 July, a result that also marked the end of Ronaldo’s international career.
Speaking to TV Espana after the match, Rodri reflected on facing one of the game’s greatest players in what is expected to have been Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance. “We’re talking about one of the best players in the history of football, his mentality, the way he understands the game and to score, it’s remarkable. I think his country has to be so proud of him. An incredible example for the generations to come,” he said.
The match itself was settled by a dramatic late intervention from substitutes Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino, who combined in the first minute of stoppage time to break a deadlock that had persisted for the majority of a tightly contested contest. Torres turned smartly on a pass from Rodri before slipping in Merino, who took his time and finished coolly past Diogo Costa. Rodri was quick to single out his teammate’s contribution afterwards. “I’d give the MVP award to Mikel, of course, as it’s not easy to come in like that, and so often he is the one who makes the difference,” he said.
Rodri also offered his broader assessment of a game shaped largely by fine margins between two closely matched sides. “They are two very similar teams, who both want to have the ball, and show personality. So it was always going to be decided by the small details, as it was. The goal was almost the first time in the whole game we found that space inside. We can improve that for the next games,” he said. He acknowledged there remained room for Spain to build on their performance as the tournament progresses. “There’s still a long way to go, and we can still improve a lot. Now we have to rest well, as the physical side is very important. We’re not done yet. But we have to be happy,” he said.
Spain’s approach against a well organised Portugal side was built around patience, according to Rodri, who explained how the team had managed the threat of Portugal’s counter attacking play. “We knew it would be a game to remain patient. They are a team who defend very well in a low block and play on the break. We knew we could not send too many players forward as they could catch us on the counter. We were able to read it perfectly, except for a few times, as they have such high quality players,” he said.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente also praised the impact of his bench, which alongside Torres and Merino included Fabian Ruiz, while Gavi, Martin Zubimendi and Nico Williams were left unused. “Those who came on in the second half gave us that energy to be able to finish the game in this way. Mikel can play that role, between midfield and attack. And we thought of what might happen if it went to extra time. But what those players brought was magisterial. That’s the good fortune we have, we have 26 players of a really high level,” De la Fuente said.
Merino’s understated influence throughout the tournament has drawn praise from teammates and pundits alike. A firm fan favourite at Arsenal, where he has proven a reliable presence in midfield and occasionally further forward when injuries have struck, the Spaniard is rarely considered among the most eye catching names in the squad, yet his crisp, composed finish against Portugal underlined his value as an attacking weapon in the biggest moments.
Spain’s next assignment offers little respite from testing opposition, with the winner of the last 16 tie between the United States and Belgium awaiting in the quarter finals, and the possibility of a semi final against a rampant France side looming on the horizon should Spain continue their progress.
