Rodrigo: Spain knew they had to wait for the right moment against Portugal

Rodrigo Hernández, hailed as the best player in Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, stressed the importance of patience during a tightly contested match. "It was the closest team to us, and the game was between the lines," Rodrigo explained after the game. "It seemed like we were taking an extra touch, but we found Ferran, who made the pass, and it was key. We knew we had to wait for the moment."

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Portugal is the team that most resembles us, and the game was between the lines. It seemed like we were taking an extra touch, but we found Ferran, who made the pass, and it was key. We knew we had to wait for the moment.

The Spanish midfielder lauded Mikel Merino, who scored the decisive goal shortly after coming on as a substitute. "Merino is a sensational player. I love him and he has that ability to appear in important moments. He's done it again, and we have to champion him, because often the people who come off the bench are not valued," Rodrigo stated.

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Merino is a sensational player. I love him and he has that ability to appear in important moments. He's done it again, and we have to champion him, because often the people who come off the bench are not valued.

Addressing doubts about his own form due to injuries at Manchester City, Rodrigo expressed unwavering self-confidence. "I have always trusted myself. There was a bit of noise, but I was clear that, with tranquility and work, things were going to happen," he said. He emphasized the team's collective will to win the World Cup, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "We are going to suffer in every game. The best in the world are here. The team has shown very important maturity. I think to win the World Cup, you have to be on an upward trajectory and you can't be complacent," he added.

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I have always trusted myself. There was a bit of noise, but I was clear that, with tranquility and work, things were going to happen.