Yamal faces more defensive work against 'genius' Ronaldo

DPASun, Jul 5, 2026·1 min read

Lamine Yamal will have to work more in defence when Spain face rivals Portugal in the last 16 at the World Cup on Monday, coach Luis de la Fuente has said.

De la Fuente expects both teams to play with a similar philosophy, speaking of "small differences but one basic idea which is clearly visible.

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"We will see which details will make the difference," he said.

However, De la Fuente added he hopes to have "a few surprises" up his sleeve against Portugal and their star Cristiano Ronaldo whom he named "a genius" and difficult to neutralise completely.

With both teams enjoying possession and Portugal's quality in general, De la Fuente stressed that his star forward Yamal will need to work at the back more than in previous matches.

"He may have to fight a bit more" in this area, De la Fuente said, but he added that Yamal "is always ready to give more."

Spain are reigning European champions and are yet to concede in their four World Cup matches. But Portugal won their last duel in the 2025 Nations League final.