Spain's Evolution Has Been Gradual, Says Rodri Before Last-16 Tie With Portugal

Rodri warns 'best is yet to come' from Spain

European champions Spain face Portugal next, and captain Rodri insists a statement 3-0 win over Austria was just the start for Luis de la Fuente's side.

Rodri says Spain can still improve ahead of World Cup showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal...

Spain captain Rodri said on the eve of Monday's World Cup last-16 tie that the European champions have plenty more to give.

One of the tournament favourites in North America, Spain began their campaign with a surprise goalless draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

La Roja responded with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 victory against Uruguay to finish top of their group. They followed that with a convincing 3-0 win over a hard-working but outclassed Austria in the round of 32.

That dominant display sent a message to the rest of the field, and midfield anchor Rodri insisted Spain are only getting started.

Cristiano. Spain. 2018. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2GLYpbggaO

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 3, 2026

“Spain's evolution (at the tournament) has been gradual,” the 30-year-old Manchester City midfielder told reporters on Sunday ahead of the last-16 showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Texas.

“So I think in a gradual way, always growing and always knowing that the big things are coming now.”

Spain's goalless stalemate with Cape Verde came as a huge surprise, but Rodri said: “We didn't lose our heads, we stayed calm, and I think right now we still have a big gap of improvement.”