"In football nowadays, in the last third you have to speed things up," said Rodri, Spain captain.
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He observed that the decisive play resulted from finding attackers quickly after penetrating the opposition's defensive setup.
"When we broke their lines, we were maybe taking an extra touch. You have to turn quickly and find the players in attack.
That's how the goal came," said Rodri, Spain captain.
Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente defended his midfielder's crucial role and dismissed any public skepticism surrounding his tactical importance to the national squad.
"He can have better or worse days, but he's the leader of this team, he's exceptional," said Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach.
The coach praised the depth of his squad, noting that Spain possesses two of the world's finest talents in the central midfield position.
"He gives us defensive balance as well as in attack. That's why he's the best in the world in his position.
And we have Martín Zubimendi, who's the second-best as well. That's how lucky we are.
Questioning [Rodri] confuses me," said Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach.
Statistics show Spain logged 15 shots on goal but generated just two clear scoring opportunities throughout the match, including an early attempt by Mikel Oyarzabal.
Meanwhile, passionate Portugal supporters packed restaurants and bakeries along James Street North in Hamilton to watch the broadcast, according to reportage from thespec.
com.
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La Roja has now reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 championship run and will play either the United States or Belgium on Friday in Inglewood, California.
