Rodri Backs Spain Midfield Over Portugal Before World Cup Last-16 Clash
Updated
Updated · ESPN.co.uk · Jul 5
Rodri Backs Spain Midfield Over Portugal Before World Cup Last-16 Clash
3 articles · Updated · ESPN.co.uk · Jul 5
Summary
Dallas hosts Monday's round-of-16 meeting with Rodri declaring Spain's midfield the world's best, even as he called Portugal's squad one of its strongest generations.
Spain's trio of Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo will face Vitinha, João Neves and Bruno Fernandes in a matchup both Rodri and coach Luis de la Fuente framed as likely to be decided by fine details.
3-0 and 2-1 wins carried Spain past Austria and Portugal past Croatia, while Spain have still not conceded at this World Cup.
Rodri, recovering form after injuries and criticism earlier in the tournament, said he now feels ready for 90 minutes as Spain enter what he called the competition's decisive stage.