World Cup 2026: De La Fuente names four players who helped Spain beat Portugal

Spain head coach, Luis De La Fuente, has identified four players who helped his team to defeat Portugal in the World Cup Round of 16 encounter on Monday.

De La Fuente watched as a late goal from Mikel Merino gave Spain a 1-0 win against Portugal.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, the 65-year-old pointed out the likes of Merino, Ferran Torres, Fabián Ruiz and Borja Iglesias as the players who were decisive for his team’s victory against Portugal.

“The decisive players were those [Merino, Ferran Torres, Fabián Ruiz and Borja Iglesia] who came off the bench,” De La Fuente said.

“I told Merino he should play how he always does. His role is to support the midfielders and the forwards.

“With him, we were thinking about giving the team the rhythm and energy it needed. The players’ impact from the bench has been masterful.”

World Cup 2026: De La Fuente names four players who helped Spain beat Portugal