World Cup 2026 - Spain: Rodri's reaction after qualification

06.07.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

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Spain

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Spain are through to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. La Roja clinched the derby against Portugal (0-1), with Rodri delivering a standout performance.

The Manchester City midfielder shared his initial thoughts with DAZN cameras right after the final whistle.

"We knew this would be a match where we’d have to be patient. On the counterattack, they could be dangerous. But we read the game perfectly. I want to single out Mikel Merino—coming on at that stage isn't easy, but once again, he made a decisive impact. Our ceiling? There's still plenty of room for improvement. Now we'll rest and take care of our bodies. But we can’t afford to rest on our laurels," the Spanish midfielder declared.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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