2026 World Cup: Why Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain – Bruno Fernandes

Portugal midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, has blamed their exit from the 2026 World Cup on employing a defensive approach against Spain.

Mikel Merino came off the substitutes’ bench to net a late winner for La Roja in the last-16 fixture on Monday.

Fernandes cut a frustrated figure for most of the game.

After the match, the Manchester United captain expressed his frustration with how they played in the second half.

“In the first half, we were superior, but in the second half we made the mistake again of dropping too deep and giving the ball to the opponent,” Fernandes said.

“When that happens, we end up suffering.

“Spain deserves credit, but I believe that if we had continued doing what we were doing in the first half, we would have left here with a different result.”