Spain Defeats Portugal 1-0 to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup Round of 16, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal off the bench. Key players Rodri, Porro, and Cucurella highlighted the team's defensive cohesion, squad depth, and narrow margins of victory. Rodri apologized to Portugal's Bernardo Silva after an on-field clash, while Porro apologized to his club Sporting CP fans for eliminating Portugal. Spain advances to the quarterfinals.
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Rodri: Facing Argentina in World Cup Final Will Be a Perfect Test
Spanish captain Rodri addressed the media ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina. He dismissed concerns about fan atmosphere, emphasizing that the match is decided on the pitch. Rodri highlighted Spain's growth from winning the Nations League and European Championship to reaching the World Cup final, calling it a 'beautiful challenge.' He refused to disclose Spain's weaknesses publicly but asserted the team is 'very complete' and hard to beat, having conceded only one goal in the tournament. Rodri stated that the team's ambition is to win the World Cup, not just reach the final, and that facing Argentina—the best team of recent years—will be a 'perfect test.' He concluded by stressing the need to desire victory more than fear failure.
虎扑 - 足球Spain Reaches World Cup Final After Victory Against France
Spain secured a place in the World Cup final after defeating France, with Pedro Porro emerging as the match-winner. In a post-match interview, Porro emphasized the key factor in their success was maintaining possession of the ball throughout the game. He stated, 'First, rest now,' indicating the team's immediate focus on recovery. Spain is scheduled to play the final on Sunday against the winner of the match between England and Argentina. The report, published by Die Welt on July 15, 2026, highlights Spain's dominant performance and their preparation for the championship match.
Nachrichten - WELTOyarzabal: Spain Cannot Settle for 1-0 Lead, Focused on World Cup Final
Spanish forward Mikel Oyarzabal spoke to the media after Spain defeated France to reach the World Cup final. He emphasized the team's collective philosophy, where individual contributions are subordinated to the team's interests. Oyarzabal discussed his tactical role, explaining that he operates in midfield to create numerical superiority and draw defenders out of position, enabling wingers like Lamine Yamal to exploit space. He noted that Spain maintains an attacking 4-3-3 formation even when leading, refusing to 'park the bus' to avoid pressure. Oyarzabal reflected on his personal form, having scored 17 goals in 19 matches since 2025, and described the calm, composed atmosphere in the locker room. He also shared the significance of reaching the final, recalling childhood dreams and family trips, and expressed determination to complete the task in New York.
虎扑 - 足球Cubarsi: Spain's clean play and family spirit key to World Cup final run
Spanish center-back Pau Cubarsi spoke to the media after Spain defeated France to reach the World Cup final. The 19-year-old defender expressed pride in the team's performance, highlighting their unprecedented intensity and defensive solidity (conceding only one goal in the tournament). Cubarsi emphasized Spain's values of clean play, stating they do not maliciously kick opponents. He credited his family and teammates for support, encouraged other young players to be patient and work hard, and remained neutral on facing either Argentina or England in the final. The team is heading to New York to prepare for the championship match.
虎扑 - 足球Pedro Porro: Controlling Possession Was Key; I Asked for Substitution Due to Exhaustion
Spanish right-back Pedro Porro scored a brilliant goal to help Spain defeat France in the World Cup semifinal, securing their second-ever World Cup final appearance. In a post-match interview, Porro described the victory as a dream come true and emphasized that controlling possession was the key factor in neutralizing France's strengths. He admitted he was physically exhausted and asked to be substituted late in the match, but expressed determination to recover and give everything in the final. Porro deflected personal praise, insisting the victory belonged to the entire 26-player squad. He also noted that teammate Marcos Llorente was monitoring his condition. The final is scheduled in five days.
虎扑 - 足球Cucurella: Spain Has Chance to Replicate 2010 Euros and World Cup Double
Spain defeated France in the World Cup semi-finals, reaching the final for the second time in history. After the match, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella gave an interview to beIN Sports, expressing pride in the team's performance and control of the game. He noted that Spain scored early and managed the match effectively. The reporter highlighted that Spain could replicate the 2010 feat of winning both the European Championship and World Cup consecutively. Cucurella recalled watching those matches as a child and said the team has huge ambitions. He stated that reaching the final is extremely special and they will prepare for Sunday's match. When asked about preferred opponents, Cucurella said both England and Argentina are special to him—he lived in England for five years and his daughter was born there, while facing Messi would be special as it may be his last national team match. He said the team will watch the other semi-final together.
虎扑 - 足球Oyarzabal: We have earned the right to dream of the championship
Following Spain's 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semi-final, Spanish forward Mikel Oyarzabal gave an interview to DAZN. He discussed his mental preparation for taking a penalty, emphasizing visualization and focus to block out distractions. Oyarzabal praised the team's maturity and selflessness, crediting the coach's consistent philosophy and the squad's cohesion built over nearly 50 days together. He expressed hope that the team can replicate their flawless performance in the final and match the glory of previous Spanish generations, stating they have earned the right to dream of the championship trophy.
虎扑 - 足球Rodri Praised as Ballon d'Or Level After Spain's World Cup Semi-Final Victory Over France
In the World Cup semi-final, Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the final. After the match, BBC's Spanish correspondent Balague praised Spanish midfielder Rodri, calling his performance 'Ballon d'Or-level.' Balague highlighted Rodri's ability to find teammates in tight spaces and direct team positioning when possession is lost. He stated that Rodri embodies the collective values of the team. Balague also commented that Spain completely overwhelmed France, describing the French team as 'easily brushed aside' by elegant Spanish football. The article, published by Hupu on July 15, emphasizes Rodri's central role in Spain's victory and the team's dominant performance.
虎扑 - 足球Romário Praises Spain's Team Cohesion After World Cup Semi-Final Victory Over France
In a World Cup semi-final match, Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the final. Brazilian football legend Romário commented on social media, praising Spain's brilliant performance and strong team cohesion. He highlighted the heroic performance of 19-year-old Yamal and the pivotal role of Pedro Porro, who was named Man of the Match and scored the winning goal. Romário also tipped his hat to France's Kylian Mbappé, who scored eight goals in the tournament and nearly carried the French team. Romário, a former World Cup player himself, acknowledged the immense pressure of playing for national expectations. He described the match as a peak showdown between two great teams and two incredibly talented stars.
虎扑 - 足球Rodri: This is the best match Spain has played so far; calmness is the core of the team
Spain defeated France in the World Cup semi-final to advance to the final. Midfielder Rodri praised the collective effort, stating that the team played its best match of the tournament. He emphasized that maintaining high concentration and composure were crucial against a strong French side. Rodri noted that composure is the core key to the team's growth, allowing them to wait for key moments without panicking. He expressed that reaching the final means a lot for this generation, but the team wants more and aims to win the World Cup. The interview was conducted by FOX Sports after the match.
虎扑 - 足球Euphoric Pedro Porro After Semi-Final Heroics: 'Not Even in My Wildest Dreams'
Spain's right-back Pedro Porro scored the decisive goal in the World Cup semi-final against France, securing a 2-0 victory and a spot in the final. The 26-year-old, playing in his first World Cup, expressed disbelief and joy in a post-match interview, praising his team's performance and attitude. Porro, who had also scored in the group stage against Austria, was substituted in the 83rd minute due to exhaustion. He emphasized the team's collective effort and vowed to recover fully for the final match.
RecordMerino's Last-Minute Winner Sends Spain to World Cup Semifinals
Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals thanks to an 88th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder, who came on in the 86th minute, scored from a rebound to secure Spain's first semifinal appearance in 16 years. Merino expressed disbelief and joy, stating that his repeated clutch performances are 'no coincidence' and attributed his success to constant readiness. He acknowledged the tough semifinal ahead against France, emphasizing team unity and national pride. Coach De la Fuente praised Merino as a world-class player. The victory reignites Spain's hopes for a second World Cup title.
虎扑 - 足球Merino: Scoring Consecutive Match-Winning Goals as a Substitute Fills Me with Immense Pride; This Spain Team Has an Extremely High Ceiling
After Spain's 1-0 victory over Belgium, securing their return to the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 16 years, Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino spoke with Fox Sports. Having come off the bench to score the winning goal in two consecutive knockout matches, he expressed immense pride but emphasized that the team's advancement was paramount. Merino confidently stated that this Spanish team's ceiling is far from reached, noting they deserved more rewards for their chance creation. He expressed readiness to face France in the semifinals, calling it a childhood dream match and expressing full confidence in Spain's abilities while respecting their opponents.
虎扑 - 足球Merino: All Three Knockout Goals Were Match-Winners, No Coincidence
In a World Cup quarterfinal on July 11, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 to reach the top four. Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino scored a 90th-minute match-winner, his third such goal in major tournament knockout stages. In a post-match interview, Merino expressed disbelief at his repeated heroics but emphasized preparation and belief. He noted that coach De la Fuente gave simple instructions before his substitution. Merino credited his family, especially his newborn child, as a source of strength and luck. He also reflected on being compared to David Villa as one of only two Spanish players to score in both the round of 16 and quarterfinals of a World Cup. Merino stated that while he believes in some coincidences, his three crucial goals are not coincidental but the result of preparation and focus.
虎扑 - 足球Spain Coach De la Fuente Praises Team Unity and Merino's Versatility After World Cup Quarterfinal Win
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the media after his team's 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinal, advancing to the top four. He emphasized that the squad's harmonious atmosphere stems from selecting players with strong character and mutual respect, not just technical skill. De la Fuente highlighted substitute Mikel Merino's match-winning goal and described him as a versatile player capable of excelling in multiple midfield and forward roles. He also praised goalkeeper Unai Simón for his historic clean sheet streak, which ended during the match, attributing the record to collective defensive effort. The coach stressed that calmness under pressure, trust in players, and team cohesion are key to their success.
虎扑 - 足球Mikel Merino: I Thought It Wouldn't Happen to Me Again Until Who Knows When
Mikel Merino, the Arsenal midfielder, scored a dramatic 88th-minute winner for Spain against Belgium in the World Cup semifinal, repeating his heroics from the round of 16 against Portugal. After the match, Merino expressed disbelief at being decisive again, stating he thought such moments would not recur. He described being two games away from a World Cup final as a dream come true and highlighted football's power to unite people globally. Looking ahead to the semifinal against France, Merino called it a balanced matchup between two elite teams and emphasized Spain's hunger and desire to win. The article captures his emotional reaction and the significance of his late-game impact.
RecordRodri apologizes to Bernardo Silva after World Cup altercation during Spain's win over Portugal
Rodri has apologized to former Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva after celebrating Silva's missed header in the 96th minute of Spain's 1-0 World Cup round of 16 win over Portugal in Dallas. Silva pushed Rodri in frustration, but Rodri said he immediately apologized and that their relationship remains strong. Mikel Merino scored the winner in the 91st minute, securing Spain's quarterfinal match against Belgium. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised Merino as 'world-class' and emphasized the importance of substitutes.
Mirror - FootballMerino dedicates corner flag celebration to family after World Cup winning goal
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 thanks to a last-gasp goal by Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, ending Spain's 16-year drought without reaching the quarterfinals. Merino, who struggled with injuries during the season at Arsenal, scored the golden goal and celebrated with a corner flag gesture. In an emotional post-match interview, he dedicated the celebration to his family, who taught him the value of hard work. He also mentioned missing his child's growth during tough times but turning that into strength. Merino revealed that coach De la Fuente instructed him to push forward and play in the number 10 position, and he was able to contribute a goal beyond the tactical task. He stated the team is focused on the next match, with three steps remaining to the championship.
虎扑 - 足球Cucurella: Happy to Keep Another Clean Sheet for Spain in World Cup Quarterfinal Win Over Portugal
Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella praised his team's resilient spirit and defensive performance after Spain defeated Portugal in a hard-fought World Cup quarterfinal match in Dallas, advancing to the next round. In an interview with DAZN, Cucurella expressed joy over the victory and the ability to keep another clean sheet, acknowledging moments of intense pressure where the team united to defend. He emphasized that at the highest level of the World Cup, wearing the national jersey in such crucial matches makes physical fatigue irrelevant, as it is an irreplaceable opportunity. Cucurella stated the team is determined to win again in the upcoming match. The article, sourced from Hupu football news, highlights the defensive pillar's contribution and the overall squad mentality.
虎扑 - 足球Cucurella: Starters Not Most Crucial; Whole Team Strives for Championship
Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella spoke to multiple media outlets after Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the World Cup quarter-finals. He praised the team's collective effort, noting that substitute players created and scored the winning goal, proving that starters are not always the most crucial factor. Cucurella highlighted the team's mental resilience, focus on winning, and shared goal of winning the tournament. He also paid tribute to opponent Cristiano Ronaldo, calling him a legend and an inspiration, and reflected on the honor of competing against him on the World Cup stage. Cucurella emphasized that the victory was a result of the entire team's contribution, from forwards to defense.
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