CORNERFLICK
Luis de la Fuente says Cristiano Ronaldo remains a player Spain must always account for, even if he would rather not see him involved on Friday.
Spain and Portugal meet in one of the standout quarter-finals, and de la Fuente stressed that the entire Portuguese side, not just their left flank, demands attention. He said Spain must stay compact without the ball and make Portugal worry about Spain’s right side too, regardless of whether Pedro Porro, Marcos Llorente or Lamine Yamal plays there.
De la Fuente described Ronaldo as a strong personality and a player he admires, adding that he bows to the Portugal captain’s career and the legacy he is still building. He said the veteran does not need special man-marking, but must be tracked across the pitch.
He also called the game a final in all but name. Spain can still improve, he said, and the match will be decided by fine details in midfield and across the team.