Raul Gonzalez believes Luis de la Fuente has built a group capable of controlling a knockout tie from several different areas of the pitch.
“Spain have a very good squad,” Raul said. “Not conceding goals is important at this stage. They also have quality in midfield.”
The report highlights the options available in the centre, with Rodri, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi giving Spain different ways to dictate the game.
The attack has also reportedly avoided becoming dependent on Yamal. Mikel Oyarzabal is in strong scoring form, while Alex Baena and Ferran Torres provide further alternatives.
Morientes believes Yamal’s campaign has been affected by a recent injury at Barcelona, but the teenager remains capable of changing the contest.
“Yamal is not in his best moment, because he was injured with Barcelona,” Morientes explained. “But he remains one important player for us if we want to win the World Cup.”
Portugal’s threat extends well beyond Ronaldo. Morientes pointed to Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha and Joao Felix, while Goncalo Ramos has also shown he can influence matches from the bench.
The report says Spain are unbeaten in 34 matches, excluding penalty shoot-outs, and have not conceded at this tournament. Those claims underline why their balance is being presented as the central advantage.
The next storyline is whether De la Fuente’s depth can withstand Portugal’s attacking pressure - and whether Yamal, Ronaldo or an unexpected contributor produces the moment that decides a tight last-16 contest.