Portugal 0-1 Spain Player Ratings: Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career over, Portugal out in R16 | OneFootball

World Cup 2026 drama rolls on - without Portugal. Waiting a few days to let the emotions cool, Nathan Motz, who was in Texas Stadium to see Portugal fall 1-0 to Spain, returns to grade each player's individual performance.

Starters

Diogo Costa - 8.5, PortuGOAL.net’s Man of the Match

Unlucky to concede in what was a magnificent effort against a top opponent. Made one important stop after another. His first-half fingertip parry of Baena’s effort kept Portugal from buckling under a barrage of Spanish attacks. Made a few errant crosses but hardly enough to prevent him being Portugal’s best player this tournament. A big move surely awaits.

Nuno Mendes - 8

Would have been top player had he finished the match. Seeing him pocket Yamal, torment the Spanish right flank, strike the crossbar with a vicious effort, and finally, pull up injured was a lot to take in. If he had played like that in the group stage, Portugal would be on the other side of the bracket and possibly still in the tournament. Even so, carrying an injury the way he did with such bravery and commitment did him proud. Best fullback in the world.

Rúben Dias - 7

Made some tremendous blocks, putting his body on the line to protect Costa. And the goal? Not his fault either. Wandered into the Spanish half at times, reminiscent of Pepe, completing a very good tournament for the Seleção.

Renato Veiga - 7.5

Well, well, what have we here? Is it the lockdown CB we’ve been waiting for? Time will tell, but a performance for the ages. Fired up by the occasion, Veiga out-dueled and outsmarted the Spanish attack all afternoon until the very end. Three tackles, and a match-high five clearances. Very encouraging indeed.

João Cancelo - 4.5

Couldn’t get it done tonight either. With Yamal on the other flank, it would seem Cancelo might have found more joy to run in behind, but he and Neto labored terribly against Cucurella. A poor outing and a poor tournament as well.

João Neves - 5.5

More positive and energetic than in previous matches, Neves was Portugal's most statistically impressive midfielder. Made 4 tackles and worked more off the ball than his midfield partners. Efficient but not game-changing...no shots or key passes.

Vitinha - 5

Some signs of life initially but all forward momentum gradually faded. Not quick enough or strong enough to press the attack. No shots or key passes.

Bruno Fernandes - 5.5

How very little there is to say… Bruno never caught form. No doubt tactics were largely to blame but Bruno registered only one off-target shot and a couple key passes.

Pedro Neto - 5

His duel with Cucurella was engaging but one-sided. Could not break free to get in any threatening shots or crosses. Could have been replaced sooner.

João Félix - 6

Went very close in the first half, and fought the Spanish press admirably with two tackles and two interceptions. Still, end product remained elusive for the Al Nassr forward, who many thought would have a breakout tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 5.5

Had a couple half chances in the opening forty-five then got starved of service in the second period. Not quick enough to run past multiple markers and did not seem especially interested in vying for headers either, his usual specialty. Well-marked to the point of criminality, Ronaldo received little service and finished his WC career with one key pass on only 19 touches. A very subdued end for Portugal's talisman.

Substitute

Nélson Semedo - 5.5

Spent his time trying to keep Yamal from blowing the match wide open. Made a few good clearances but couldn’t help the attack.

Diogo Dalot - 6

A much more strategic footballer than Cancelo, but largely preoccupied with defence and could not drive play forward to great effect.

Rafael Leão - 5

Brought on to provide speed and width and instead morphed back into the agonizingly lackadaisical version of himself. Completed 4 dribbles but not on the ball enough. The Spanish defence adapted to corral his bursts down the left.

Bernardo Silva - 4.5

Ran wildly about fouling any Spanish player near enough to him. Yellow-carded and gave away the foul preceding Merino's goal.

Chico Conceição - 5

Did not fare any better than Neto on the right. In fairness, he had so little time to effect change.

Manager

Roberto Martínez - 2

Not a terrible starting XI, but Bruno said it best when he insinuated Portugal should assert itself more. No creativity or tempo, subs too late, Ronaldo left on when ineffective, on and on. All things he had ample opportunity to improve over the years. This tournament demonstrated - again - that he was out of his depth. His tenure rightly comes to an end.