Spain to quarter-finals after late win over Portugal: De la Fuente sees
A goal from Mikel Merino in the 91st minute gives Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the eighth finals of the 2026 World Cup. Luis de la Fuente speaks of a 'final on a small scale' and praises the players who made the difference from the bench.
Spain to quarter-finals after late win over Portugal: De la Fuente sees
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Background
Mikel Merino, who scored the winning goal, has proven his worth to the team, especially in crucial moments. His role as a substitute could be key to Spain's strategy in the next rounds of the 2026 World Cup. The performances of players like Merino will also impact the team's dynamics and their chances of progressing in the tournament.
Why this matters
The victory over Portugal is crucial for Spain, which now advances to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. This victory not only strengthens the team's confidence, but also confirms coach Luis de la Fuente's tactical capabilities in this tournament. Mikel Merino's late goal shows Spain's ability to perform under pressure, which is essential for their season outlook.
Key points
- Spain to quarter-finals after late win over Portugal: De la Fuente sees.
- A goal from Mikel Merino in the 91st minute gives Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
- Spagna, De La Fuente: "Era una finale anticipata, importante anche chi subentra".
Spain have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup by beating Portugal 1-0 in a tense and evenly contested round of 16. The decision was not made until the 91st minute: midfielder Mikel Merino, who had recently come on, appeared at the right time and scored the ball. The goal came from a quickly taken restart, with which the Iberian neighbors briefly outsmarted the Portuguese organization. Portugal's brief moment of inattention at the back proved fatal; Merino took advantage of the space and fired Spain into the last eight.
The match was one with a high tempo and a lot of tension, in which both teams kept each other in balance for a long time. The match offered few big chances, but was tactically intense and played with the nervousness that comes with knockout football. Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo in the striker, searched for a long time for the winning inspiration, while Spain patiently searched for the gap. That only came in extra time, and that turned out to be enough.
Afterwards, national coach Luis de la Fuente sounded relieved and proud. “It was a top match between two super teams, a kind of early final, and we had to suffer until the end,” said the Spanish selector. De la Fuente especially emphasized the role of his substitutes: “We played very sensibly and the important players are the ones who come off the bench; they make valuable what their teammates did earlier in the match.” The decisive goal was exemplary in that respect: fresh legs and sharpness in the last fifteen minutes delivered the final blow.
For Portugal, the defeat means a premature end to the tournament. For Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of the Seleção, this could very well be his last appearance at a World Cup. The attacker was given little space against the tight Spanish defense and had to watch how his team finished in the closing stagesknocked.
With this victory, Spain confirms its status as a tournament team: solid organization, ball retention and depth in the selection make De la Fuente's team dangerous in the knockout phase. The decisive contribution of a substitute underlines the breadth of the squad and the staff's ability to manage during the match. With the ticket for the quarter-finals in their pocket, La Roja can look ahead with confidence. The basis is solid, the automatisms seem to be in place and the mental resilience - continuing to believe and strike until the last minute - is exactly what makes the difference in this phase of a World Cup.
What's happening now
With this victory, Spain now looks forward to the quarter-finals, where they will prepare for a new challenge. The focus will be on maintaining form and further developing their game, especially in view of the next opponent. The performances of substitutes like Merino could play an important role in the upcoming matches of the 2026 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Spain vs. Portugal match?
Spain won the match 1-0 against Portugal.
Who scored the winning goal for Spain?
Mikel Merino scored the winning goal for Spain in the 91st minute.
What is the impact of this victory on the standings in the 2026 World Cup?
With this victory, Spain has qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
When will Spain play its next match?
The date of Spain's next match has not yet been mentioned in the article.
How did the match between Spain and Portugal go?
The match was evenly matched with a lot of tension and few big chances, but Spain found the opening in extra time.
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