De La Fuente Sings Lamine's Praises as Spain Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals
Mikel Merino scored in the 91st minute as Spain advanced to the last eight for the first time since 2010, Luis de la Fuente said.
- Substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute in Arlington on Monday, securing a 1-0 victory for Spain over Portugal and advancing the European champions to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente suggested that the physical toll of containing 18-year-old Lamine Yamal contributed to Portugal defender Nuno Mendes' injury in the 56th minute, forcing his replacement by Nelson Semedo.
- De la Fuente praised Lamine for a "spectacular job," saying "He suffered for the team, he defended for the team" and created uncertainty for opponents throughout what the coach deemed one of the most important matches of the teenager's career.
- Spain next faces the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals, though de la Fuente said his focus remains on Spain's progress rather than the specific opponent ahead.
- Following Portugal's Round of 16 exit, Ronaldo confirmed he will not play another FIFA World Cup, signaling the end of the veteran forward's tournament career after the loss to Spain.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Lamine Yamal's impact on the 2026 World Cup beyond the statistics
Spain’s last-16 victory over Portugal at the 2026 World Cup was billed as a clash between generations: teenage sensation Lamine Yamal against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in football history. Spain reached the quarter-finals thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic stoppage-time winner. However, the match also showed why Yamal’s influence extends far beyond goals. Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes kept the teenager under tight control, l…
Luis de la Fuente consistently praises the role of substitutes in the national team, both in the game and in daily work and coexistence.
Spain manager calls Arsenal star 'second-best in the world' after Portugal win
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi is the second-best midfielder in the world behind Rodri after his side's 1-0 win over Portugal at the World Cup.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Lamine Yamali's performance in Monday's match, calling it one of the highlights of the 18-year-old forward's rapidly rising career.
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 […] World Cup 2026: De La Fuente names four players who helped Spain beat Portugal
The host of Awake San Francisco admits that he criticized De la Fuente for replacing Dani Olmo with Merino
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