Merino on the goal that eliminated Portugal: Bernardo was protesting

Merino: Bernardo Silva was protesting, not watching the ball

Mikel Merino broke the silence on the goal that ended Portugal's World Cup. His 1–0 winner in the round of 16 came while Bernardo Silva was busy arguing with the referee. "Bernardo Silva was protesting and not looking at the ball," Merino said (1).

Bernardo Silva: a frustrating and deeply disappointing World Cup

Bernardo Silva did not hide how he feels. "A frustrating World Cup and a huge disappointment," he said of the campaign (2). Spain 1–0 Portugal sent your team home, and the Manchester City midfielder's words capture the mood. No sugarcoating.

Laporte on Ronaldo: it's a little sad

Aymeric Laporte, Cristiano Ronaldo's former teammate at Al Nassr, admitted the ending stings even from the other side. "Cristiano Ronaldo was very important for football. It gives you a little sadness," the Spain defender said (3). The two shared a dressing room in Saudi Arabia before Laporte helped end Ronaldo's last World Cup.

The federation plans for life after Ronaldo

The Portuguese Football Federation is already moving. Ronaldo confirmed this was his final World Cup, and the FPF wants his image in the "Lendas de Portugal" programme. FPF board member João Medeiros Cardoso put it plainly: "He is the next legend of Portugal. We relaunched the programme we are using during this World Cup to carry out activations with the Visit Portugal brand, so maybe Cristiano will be part of that" (4). Jorge Jesus has been linked as a possible successor to Roberto Martinez, who stepped down immediately after the Spain defeat.