For the first time since their title-winning run in 2010, are into the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup™ thanks to Mikel Merino’s late winner to in the Round of 16 in Dallas.
This stage of the tournament had recently become a source of frustration for La Roja, who bowed out in penalties at both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 in the last 16 to Russia and Morocco, respectively.
For long stretches of Monday’s encounter, it looked like history might repeat itself, but Spain’s refusal to panic won out.
“I think the maturity that the team showed today was remarkable, because we were able to read the flow of the game at all times,” said midfielder Rodri following the victory. “We wore them down, and we found our opening. It’s true that we had a few chances – though not many – but we were able to find the open spaces, and once again Mikel Merino stepped up at crucial moments.”
The current Spain squad is taking on a strikingly similar look to the 2010 one that reached football’s zenith in South Africa. Vicente del Bosque’s men 16 years ago registered four consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stage – including, coincidentally, a 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16.
In North America, Luis de la Fuente’s charges have suffocated opponents, having not conceded once in five matches in these finals.
“Ultimately, I think the great teams and the championship teams are the ones that are the best defensively, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” said defender Marc Cucurella. “Not just the defenders and the goalkeeper, but everyone. It’s a team effort: how we press, how we close down passing lanes, how we communicate. Hopefully we can keep it up because, at the end of the day, if we keep a clean sheet, I think we’re always a little closer to getting that win.”
Part of that defensive strength stems also from Spain’s midfield muscle, where Rodri and the rest tormented Portugal on the day, never giving Roberto Martinez’s team a chance to set the table for Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.
“I think they played a very complete game in midfield, and I think we did too,” said Rodri. “Pedri has been the same as always – sensational – helping me clear everything he could, even though he might not be that kind of player, but he’s been pressing hard to win the ball back; he’s been outstanding, and the guys who came on — I’ll tell you, Mikel, Fabian [Ruiz] — were impressive.”
Cucurella echoed his team-mate, hailing Spain’s ability to hold their nerve in the toughest of moments.
“It’s a very important step,” added Cucurella. “After all, Portugal have such talented players, and on top of that, they beat us in the last Nations League. It was a tough game; we were eager to play it, and I think qualifying for the quarter-finals deserves a celebration like the one we had.
“In the end, it was also a very close game, with moments when we really had to hang on, but we stayed focused the whole time, gave it our all, and I think we deserved the win.”
Sources: FIFA Official
