Rúben Dias: "Expectations? We have to prove that talent on the pitch"

Portugal's central defender, Rúben Dias, offered his analysis following the defeat to Spain and their subsequent elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

"We gave our absolute best. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to win the match. What was missing? This was one of the most evenly contested games we've had against Spain, at least since I've been involved. We created opportunities. They had that early chance. There were dangerous moments; it was a balanced game. We just needed to score a goal and swing the tie in our favor. Spain managed to do it at a crucial moment when everyone was already thinking about extra time. Both teams are lethal, and if you allow them… Unfortunately, luck wasn't on our side," he stated to Sport TV microphones, reflecting on their tournament performance.

"We are fully aware of the quality of players we possess and that the most important thing was to grow throughout the competition. I felt that, step by step, we were improving. Regarding expectations… I don't have expectations for anything. We know we have a lot of talent, but we have to prove that talent on the pitch. We lost to a very strong team, perhaps one of the favorites to win the World Cup. We leave with the feeling that we could have achieved more. We'll hold our heads high and look to the future. We have a lot ahead of us, frustration… That's football," he concluded.