CORNERFLICK
Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in their World Cup 2026 round-of-16 tie, but L'Équipe reserved some of its harshest criticism for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal.
The French newspaper rated Ronaldo two out of 10 and said his first-half display matched his tournament average, before noting he drifted away from Portugal's passing rhythm and offered little in the final third. It also criticised his weak pressing on Laporte, wasted counter-attacks and lack of impact in aerial duels.
Yamal did not fare much better. L'Équipe gave the Spain winger a four and said his duel with Nuno Mendes went in the Portuguese defender's favour, forcing unusual mistakes from the youngster. The paper added that Mendes' injury in the 52nd minute gave Yamal more space to play and allowed him to show more of his ability on the flank.
Spain's win took them into the quarter-finals and kept their hopes of the title alive.