Rodri Backs Spain’s Midfield Over Portugal’s

Spain captain Rodri believes his side possess the stronger midfield ahead of their eagerly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 16 meeting with Portugal, insisting that the quality of Spain’s engine room gives them confidence as they prepare for one of the tournament’s biggest knockout fixtures.

The match, to be played in Dallas, United States, is expected to feature an intriguing battle in midfield. Spain are likely to rely on Ballon d’Or winner Rodri alongside Pedri and Dani Olmo, while Portugal’s creative trio of Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes will attempt to dictate proceedings for Roberto Martínez’s side.

The two European rivals last met in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final. On that occasion, the match finished 2-2 after normal time before Portugal emerged victorious in the penalty shoot-out. The memory of that defeat remains fresh for Spain, adding another layer of intensity to their latest encounter.

Speaking to reporters before training at the Cotton Bowl Stadium on Sunday, Rodri described Portugal as one of the strongest teams Spain could have faced at this stage of the competition.

“They are always a difficult opponent,” he said. “They know us very well, and we know them equally well. In my opinion, Portugal have probably brought the strongest squad in their history to this tournament. If we want to reach the next round, we will have to produce our very best football.”

When asked whether Portugal’s midfield trio could be considered the finest in world football, Rodri made his position clear.

“For me, my own team and our midfield are the best,” he said. “Portugal have outstanding players throughout the squad, and they perform extremely well as a team. They are strong in almost every area of the pitch, but we want to prove on the field that we are the better side.”

Spain have been one of the tournament’s most impressive teams so far. They have yet to concede a goal and advanced to the Round of 16 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Austria in the previous knockout round. Portugal, meanwhile, secured their place after edging Croatia 2-1 in a closely contested match.

Rodri believes Spain still have another level to reach despite their encouraging performances.

“We can play even better,” he said. “We have experience of competing in tournaments like this, and we understand when we need to raise our level. During the group stage, the priority was to settle the team and collect results. Now the knockout rounds have begun, people are seeing the real Spain. We believe something special could happen.”

The midfielder also reflected on his own form. Since winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he has endured a difficult period because of injury and even faced criticism from sections of the Spanish media earlier in the tournament. He now feels he is steadily returning to his best condition.

“I feel completely fit now,” Rodri said. “My performances are improving over the full 90 minutes, and I know the biggest matches are only just beginning. There is still room for improvement, and as the tournament progresses, our performances should improve as well. Against Portugal, we will need to be at our very best.”

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente echoed his captain’s confidence. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he acknowledged Portugal’s quality but insisted that every coach naturally believes in his own players.

“I’m sure Roberto Martínez feels exactly the same way about his squad,” De la Fuente said. “Portugal are an outstanding team, but I believe the best players in the world are wearing Spain’s shirt.”

The winner of the contest, which kicks off at 1:00 am Bangladesh time, will secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, making this one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage.