Nuno Mendes with a full tank of football, and he took it with him when he left (Portugal's ratings)

Diogo Costa (7) — One, two, three, four. These are the first numbers children learn, and even those with minimal football knowledge would understand the sheer number of saves the goalkeeper made to deny the Spanish, though, it must be said, he wasn't tested as much as some might have expected. His 'photobooth' moment arrived in the 16th minute when, in the same sequence, he first parried Yamal's shot to the left and then Baena's to the right. He leaves the World Cup with an immaculate record and his head held high, looking towards a future that may no longer involve the local league.

João Cancelo (5) — He wasn't bad defensively, far from it, but at times he lacked discernment in situations that seemed easy to resolve, failing to make the most accurate decisions. Still, credit goes to him for having the first noteworthy shot of the game (7’).

Rúben Dias (5) — He was commanding the defensive line until that fateful moment when he hesitated with Renato Veiga; in the 'you go, I go' impasse, neither went, leaving Merino free to score the goal that caused our discontent. In an area under his jurisdiction, he should have taken charge of the ball…

Renato Veiga (6) — A name unveiled by Martínez for a World Cup starting spot that proved to be a pleasant surprise. He had the aforementioned minor error, but otherwise, he was very assertive, giving the impression of being a captain not of sea and war, but of air and war. He was also very good in the initial build-up phase, with well-measured long passes, especially in the first half.

Vitinha (6) — He fulfilled all the tactical requirements Roberto Martínez set for him, effectively cooling down the game; however, he lacked the fire of creativity. It remains to be seen if he held back on his own accord or by the coach's instruction, but someone with such enchanted feet could have brought more magic to the game. And how the national team needed it…

João Neves (6) — The midfield 'ant' significantly raised his game after the break, following a first half where he allowed Dani Olmo too much freedom. However, he lacked a certain spark, that 'red in the eyes' that sometimes pushes us further.

Bruno Fernandes (5) — In Dallas, he was a hologram of the man who finished the last Premier League as the league's best player. He only appeared for one shot (76’), but even that didn't go well: if he usually finds the back of the net so often, this time he did too, but on the outside.

Pedro Neto (5) — He barely stirred the waters in Portugal's overly calm sea. He did have one important burst (50’), but he failed to look up when he should have to see which teammates were in a better position to score, thus wasting a potentially dangerous play.

Ronaldo (5) — His World Cup legacy is unquestionable, but in this 'last dance,' he lacked 'salero,' that charm that so often distinguished him from others. He could have shone with a bicycle kick (36’), but the shot went straight to Unai Simón. The sands of time are unforgiving. At 41, he no longer has the physical capacity to press opponents when they start to build, which is understandable. What is incomprehensible is how Martínez left him on the field for so long when the captain was already tremendously fatigued.

João Félix (6) — Very involved in helping Nuno Mendes contain Lamine Yamal, he ultimately fell victim to the 'short blanket' theory: when you cover one part, you uncover another. Beyond that, he was criticized for not appearing more frequently in central finishing positions.

Nélson Semedo (5) — He tried hard, but the difference in pace compared to Nuno Mendes in keeping up with Yamal is… abysmal. It rhymes and it's true.

Dalot (5) — He provided cover at the back and even made some forays into the midfield, but this was at a time when Portugal was already looking even more disconnected.

Rafael Leão (5) — From his brilliance against Croatia, with a fantastic assist, to his subdued performance against Spain, only three days passed. This has been the winger's recent trajectory.

Bernardo Silva (6) — He came on with a full tank of desire and, surprisingly, came close to equalizing with a header, but the ball went slightly over the bar.

Francisco Conceição (6) — He unleashed a 'blaze' (90+7’) that almost 'burned' Spain's intentions. Following the play, Bernardo Silva shot just over the bar.