Torres: Substitutes Made the Difference in Portugal Win

Ferran Torres, the Spanish national team's forward, emphasized that the contributions of the substitutes were crucial in Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

In a post-match television interview, Torres stated: "In tournaments like this, matches are often decided by players coming off the bench. Today, we managed to score a goal and create another, and everyone is ready to make an impact when given the chance."

Regarding the opportunities created by the Spanish team, he explained: "We relied on constant movement and exploiting spaces behind the defense. As the opponent pushed forward, we had a greater chance to receive the ball between the lines and create opportunities."

Torres revealed details about the assist for the winning goal to Mikel Merino, saying: "Before I received the ball, I knew Mikel Merino was making his run. I was confident that Rodri would pass it to me, and that’s exactly what happened. After that, I was able to pass the ball to Merino for the goal."

He concluded his remarks about Spain's next opponent in the quarter-finals, stating: "At this stage, every match is crucial and all opponents are extremely tough. The most important thing for us is to focus on ourselves and prepare for the next match with enthusiasm."