Spanish star kid Gavi feels Cristiano Ronaldo can be difference-maker in Portugal vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash

Ronaldo scored a hat-trick when these two sides last met in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Dallas Stadium in the United States is all set to host a thrilling Round of 16 fixture in FIFA World Cup 2026 between reigning Euro champions Spain and UEFA Nations League winner Portugal. A quarterfinal berth is at stake for both teams, who will potentially face the USA or Belgium next.

Spain cruised past Austria in the Round of 32 fixtures, and even since that goalless draw against Cape Verde in the opening game, La Roja under De La Fuente have seemingly appeared to be a very different team. Spain have scored eight goals in their last three games and are yet to concede a single goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Portugal, on the other hand were expected to dominate the tournament. However, Roberto Martinez’s side lacked that flair. After finishing second in Group K, Portugal had to take the tougher route. They are coming after a 2-1 win over Croatia after Goncalo Ramos scored the winner in stoppage time.

Ahead of the big game against Portugal, Spanish star kid Gavi told the media that Ronaldo, even at this age has all the potential to make the difference in any moment.

Gavi said, “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players in football history. We know he can make the difference at any moment.”

In this article, we take a look at Ronaldo’s performance against Spain and why he can be the X Factor for Roberto Martinez.

Also Read: Portugal vs Spain Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

Ronaldo has scored four goals against Spain

Ronaldo, whose goal was disallowed in the last game, went on to score the penalty to beat Livakovic and make it 1-1 for Portugal. As the game was heading to extra time, Roberto Martinez made the tough call to sub off Ronaldo in the last few minutes. The Al Nassr striker left the pitch, disheartened and heartbroken.

However, it would be too unfair to put all the blame on Ronaldo when Portugal’s midfield also haven’t impressed much or created many chances either.

Moreover, taking a ride down memory lane, we find out that when these two sides last met at the FIFA World Cup in 2018, Ronaldo single-handedly saved Portugal from the jaws of defeat, scoring a hat-trick against an elite Spain squad to make it 3-3 in what was one of the iconic games in the FIFA World Cup.

Even in the recent past, we find out that it was Ronaldo’s equaliser that rescued Portugal against Spain in the UEFA Nations League Finals in 2025.

After Nuno Mendes cancelled Zubimendi’s goal, Oyarazabal made it 2-1 again for Spain. La Roja had one hand on the trophy, but Ronaldo scored the equaliser to drag the game into penalties, and Portugal eventually went on to win the Finals against Spain.

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