DistantNews
Support us
Rodri: 'I am perfect'
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Rodri: 'I am perfect'

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Spain's captain Rodri declared himself in peak physical condition ahead of the World Cup knockout match against Portugal.
  • He acknowledged that the team can still improve during the tournament, emphasizing that Spain often shows its best form in the elimination rounds.
  • Rodri expressed confidence in Spain's midfield, calling it the best in the world, while respecting Portugal as a strong opponent with a talented generation of players.

Rodrigo Hernández, captain of the Spanish national team, stated he is in "perfect" physical condition for the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match against Portugal in Dallas. He believes the team is currently in good form and has positive sensations heading into the crucial stages of the tournament.

I am perfect. In a good moment, with good sensations for 90 minutes. The important matches are coming now, where we have to show our best version. I can improve, I feel very good, but we are in a position to find the best version, which is logical during a long tournament and we will have to show the best version against Portugal.

— Rodrigo HernándezSpeaking to reporters in the mixed zone about his physical condition and the team's prospects.

"I can improve, I feel very good, but we are in a position to find the best version, which is logical during a long tournament," Rodri told reporters in the mixed zone. He emphasized that while the group stage is for building momentum and securing results, the knockout rounds are when Spain typically displays its strongest performance.

We can grow much more. Tournaments are long. We have experience in these tournaments and we know when to show our best face. In the group stage you have to build and get results, and when the knockout rounds arrive, Spain's best face has been seen.

— Rodrigo HernándezDiscussing the team's potential for improvement during the World Cup.

Reflecting on the upcoming clash with Portugal, Rodri recalled their previous encounter in the 2025 Nations League final, which Spain lost on penalties. He described that match as closely contested and acknowledged Portugal's current generation as perhaps their best ever. "We know each other very well. Surely this is the best generation they have ever had, and we face the match knowing we have to give our best if we want to advance," he stated.

It was an equal match that was decided by penalties. The team competed and showed a good version, that's the memory I have because I wasn't there. The match will be different, a World Cup always is. The feeling with which you are doing things is important.

— Rodrigo HernándezRecalling the previous final against Portugal.

Rodri also confidently asserted that Spain possesses the world's best midfield. "The best team and best midfield is ours. Portugal has a sensational team, with top players and a great collective. We hope to show that we are better," he added. For Rodri, captaining Spain in a World Cup represents a significant career milestone, a role he embraces with its inherent weight and responsibility.

It is always a very difficult opponent. We know each other very well. Surely this is the best generation they have ever had, and we face the match knowing we have to give our best if we want to advance.

— Rodrigo HernándezAssessing the strengths of the Portuguese team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog