Cristiano Ronaldo fires warning as Portugal set up Spain showdown

Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear that Portugal will not be intimidated by what lies ahead against Spain, delivering a composed but confident message after his side booked a place in the World Cup Round of 16.

“We will be ready” - Ronaldo reacts to Spain World Cup matchup

Portugal’s progression came after a tense and emotional victory over Croatia, a match that tested their resilience deep into stoppage time. After falling behind early in the second half, Portugal were forced to respond under pressure. Ronaldo stepped forward in a decisive moment, converting from the penalty spot to bring his team level and shift the momentum of the match.

As the game edged toward extra time, it was Goncalo Ramos who ultimately delivered the breakthrough, scoring a dramatic late winner that sent Portugal through. There was still late controversy, as Croatia thought they had equalized in the closing seconds, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for offside.

The result sets up one of the most anticipated ties of the knockout stage, with Portugal now preparing to face Spain. Unlike Portugal’s narrow escape, Spain advanced with relative comfort, reinforcing their reputation as one of the tournament’s strongest and most balanced sides.

Speaking after the match, Ronaldo acknowledged the scale of the challenge but made it clear that Portugal believe they can compete. He emphasized the familiarity between the two nations and described the upcoming contest as finely balanced, despite Spain’s status as one of the favorites.

“We will be READY, we know them well. Spain are among favorites to win. It is a very balanced match, and we will see what happens.”

This will not be the first time the rivals have met on a major stage. Their recent history includes Portugal’s victory over Spain in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, as well as a memorable 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup, when Ronaldo produced a stunning hat trick. Those encounters showed how little separates the sides and how unpredictable their matchups can be.

With a place in the quarterfinals at stake, expectations are high for another closely fought contest. Portugal arrive battle-tested after surviving a dramatic knockout opener, while Spain bring momentum and consistency. Ronaldo, however, is here to remind Spain that Portugal know what is coming, and they intend to be ready for it.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.