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Spain midfielder Rodri (16) celebrates Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva's (10) missed chance during their World Cup 2026 round of 16 match in Dallas, USA on 6/7. Photo: AP |
In the 6th minute of stoppage time on 6/7 in Dallas, Texas, Francisco Conceicao crossed the ball from the right wing into Spain's penalty area. Silva rose high to head the ball over the bar, then lay on the ground, regretting the missed opportunity. At that moment, Portugal was trailing 1-0.
Rodri had not marked Silva during the play, but surprisingly approached him, punching the air and shouting in celebration directly in front of his former Manchester City teammate.
Silva immediately sprang up in anger. Rodri seemed "remorseful," attempting to hug and shake hands to reconcile, but Silva brushed him off. As the Spanish midfielder walked away, Silva followed, repeatedly pointing at his opponent. Center-back Aymeric Laporte, goalkeeper Unai Simon, and midfielder Bruno Fernandes had to intervene.
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Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva (10) reacts angrily to Spain midfielder Rodri (16) for a provocative celebration during their World Cup 2026 round of 16 match in Dallas, USA on 6/7. Photo: Reuters |
This altercation became a topic for Rodri during a quick interview. "I apologize for making a mistake by celebrating when he missed the chance," the 1996-born midfielder said. "I apologized immediately. The incident ended there because we trust each other. That's all there is to it."
Rodri and Silva were teammates at Manchester City from 2019 to 2026. Together, they won every collective title, notably the 2022-2023 Champions League and four Premier League championships. After the conclusion of this season, Silva announced his departure after a decade to join Real.
In the World Cup round of 16 match, Rodri started and was named man of the match. Bernardo entered the game in the 82nd minute, replacing Vitinha, a decision considered a mistake by coach Roberto Martinez.
The 32-year-old midfielder did not help Portugal's midfield gain better control; instead, he made a mistake leading to a goal conceded in the first minute of stoppage time. He fouled Mikel Merino but, instead of focusing on the ball, complained to the referee. Spain quickly took the free kick. The ball passed through Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Rodri, and then Ferran Torres. From a teammate's through ball, Merino scored with a left-footed shot inside the penalty area.
Spain's goal against Portugal.
This defeat meant Portugal failed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive time. Spain, meanwhile, advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010.
The early exit also meant a talented generation of Portuguese players, including Rolando, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes, might miss their dream of winning the World Cup. In the next tournament, Ronaldo will be 45, while Bernardo and Bruno will be 36.
Trung Thu (Source: Marca)
