Spain captain Rodri was named MVP after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16, securing their place in the quarterfinals. The Manchester City midfielder dominated the game, recording 106 touches, completing 87 passes, and recovering possession 7 times. Despite the win, Rodri acknowledged the team's need for improvement, stating they must be 'sharper' in the final third to convert chances more efficiently.

Coach Luis de la Fuente lauded Rodri's performance, calling him the 'best in the world' in his position for his all-around contributions. The decisive goal came in added time from substitute Mikel Merino, marking Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance. Spain created only two clear chances from 15 shots throughout the match, a statistic Rodri believes highlights the need for quicker decision-making in attack.

This victory sends Spain to the quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 World Cup triumph. They will face the winner of the United States vs. Belgium match on Friday in Inglewood, California. The team's ability to capitalize on limited opportunities will be under scrutiny as they progress in the tournament.