TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Portugal's national team coach, Roberto Martinez, believed his team was unlucky after losing 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Mikel Merino's injury-time goal led to Portugal's defeat and elimination, while Spain advanced to the quarterfinals.
Spain's winning goal was scored in the 90+1st minute. Originating from a quick counter-attack after a dead-ball situation, Ferran Torres sent a through pass into the penalty area, which was finished by Merino with a low shot to the left corner of the goal. Diogo Costa failed to reach the ball, and Portugal had to end their journey in the round of 16.
Martinez considered the match to be very balanced, and Portugal deserved to take the game to extra time. According to him, his team was just not fortunate. "Maybe we just had a little less luck. Luck was not on our side today, but it was a very balanced match," Martinez said, as quoted from the FIFA official website.
The Spanish coach also regretted several missed opportunities to convert into goals, including Nuno Mendes' chance that hit the goalpost in the first half. "We defended well. We played against one of the favorites for the World Cup. I think we deserved to take this game into extra time," he said. The defeat also marked the end of Portugal's journey in the 2026 World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo's final appearance in the World Cup.
Portugal defender Ruben Dias expressed similar disappointment. According to the Manchester City player, Portugal had given their best performance but failed to capitalize on their chances. "We gave our best. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to win the game. What was missing? It was one of the most balanced games we've had against Spain, at least since I've been here," Dias said to Sport TV, as quoted by A Bola.
Dias believed that both teams had equal opportunities, but Spain was able to maximize the most crucial moments. "There were dangerous plays, it was a balanced game. We lacked a goal to take the tie in our favor," he said.
He noted that Merino scored when it seemed the match was heading to extra time. "Spain managed to do it at a crucial moment when it seemed the game would go to extra time. Both teams are deadly and if you let them… Unfortunately, we weren't lucky," Dias said.
Despite being eliminated, Dias believed that Portugal showed progress throughout the tournament. He mentioned that his team lost to one of the strongest contenders for the championship. "We lost against a very strong team, perhaps one of the favorites to win the World Cup. We leave with the feeling that we could have done more," he said.
Meanwhile, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised the contribution of the substitute players, whom he considered to be the key to La Roja's victory. Merino scored the decisive goal just a few minutes after replacing Dani Olmo. "The key players were the ones who came off the bench. I told him to play his usual game," De la Fuente said, as quoted by FIFA.
According to the 65-year-old coach, Merino was asked to maintain the game's balance while energizing the team during the final phase of the match. "They gave us the energy to finish the game the way we did," he said.
De la Fuente added that the success of the substitute players was not a coincidence. According to him, Spain has a depth of squad that allows every player to make an impact when called upon. He said Spain has 26 high-quality players, including from the bench, who influence the match.
The victory against Portugal sends Spain to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. La Roja will face Belgium, who previously eliminated the host, the United States, with a 4-1 victory.
Read: Roberto Martnez Resigns as Portugal Coach After World Cup Exit
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Roberto Martnez Resigns as Portugal Coach After World Cup Exit
4 jam lalu
Roberto Martnez resigned as Portugal coach after the team's 1-0 defeat to Spain ended its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in the Round of 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo Bids Farewell to World Cup Career After Portugal Exit
6 jam lalu
Cristiano Ronaldo said he leaves the FIFA World Cup with a "clear conscience" after Portugal's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.
Merino Fires Spain Past Portugal Into World Cup Quarterfinals
9 jam lalu
Mikel Merino's solitary goal during injury time proves to be the difference in the clash between Portugal and Spain in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Today's Top 3 News: Portugal vs Spain Prediction, World Cup's Golden Boot Race
21 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
When Is Portugal vs Spain? World Cup Round of 16 Time and How to Watch
1 hari lalu
Portugal and Spain will renew one of international football's fiercest rivalries when they meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on Monday.
Portugal vs Spain World Cup Prediction: Can Cristiano Ronaldo Stop La Roja?
1 hari lalu
The match between Portugal and Spain will take place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 02:00 WIB.
Cristiano Ronaldo Makes World Cup History as Oldest Knockout Goalscorer
4 hari lalu
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the 2026 Round of 32.
2026 World Cup: Portugal Seal Dramatic Win Over Croatia in Round of 32
4 hari lalu
The Portugal vs Croatia match ended dramatically in injury time with three VAR decisions in the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
2026 World Cup Preview: Portugal vs Croatia, A Clash of Veteran Leaders
5 hari lalu
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric will make a record sixth World Cup final appearance when Portugal face Croatia.
World Cup: Colombia Top Group K After Thrilling Draw with Portugal
9 hari lalu
Colombia finished top of Group K after holding Portugal to an entertaining 0-0 draw in their final group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
