On paper, it looked set to be one of the most thrilling matches at the 2026 World Cup so far. Truth be told, Spain vs Portugal was as dull as dishwater, although it has led to Roberto Martinez quitting.
Both teams came into the tournament as strong favourites to go all the way, but it was Martinez's men who were dumped out at the Round of 16 stage. Cristiano Ronaldo exited the pitch in tears – in what was surely his last ever outing at a World Cup – after Mikel Merino kept his cool to slot home the only goal of the game.
That strike in the 91st minute was one of few incidents in the 1-0 win, but there was another eye-catching moment late on when former Manchester City teammates Rodri and Bernardo Silva clashed.
Rodri Sends Message to Silva After World Cup Clash
With the score at 1-0, Silva had a chance to steal an instant equaliser, but he could not get over the ball, as his header sailed over the crossbar. It was a difficult outing for the ex-Man City star, who has recently signed a contract with Real Madrid, but he didn't get any sympathy from his former teammate.
Indeed, Rodri stood over Silva with the Portuguese star on the floor after his miss. Something was clearly said as the two were soon caught in a verbal spat and the Real Madrid man had to be calmed down as he angrily wagged his finger at the Spanish.
Seeing as the pair have so much positive history together – having won four Premier League titles and the Champions League at City – it was rather eye-catching that such an ill-tempered moment erupted between them on the pitch. However, after going on to win the game, Rodri appears to have calmed down.
Speaking to the press, he took responsibility and apologised to Silva, saying:
"I apologise to Bernardo Silva for celebrating his miss in the last minutes... It was my fault."
At the time of writing, Silva has yet to respond.
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Cristiano Ronaldo looks dejected after the Spain match as Portugal are eliminated from the World CupIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jerome
While there was plenty of focus on this moment between Silva and Rodri, all eyes were really on Ronaldo at full time. The 41-year-old will now almost certainly finish his career without ever winning the World Cup.
Already, pundits are looking forward, wondering what is in store for Portugal without their veteran striker. On this matter, pundit and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport:
"This is the start of a new era when you lose a player like Ronaldo. Maybe a few players have felt [they were] in the shadow of him - which is normal because of what he has done in the game. For other players, it's time to go and be the main man for Portugal. It's a new opportunity for senior players to take responsibility and for younger players to come through."
Spain will now face the winner of the US or Belgium in the quarter-final.