Ferran Torres silences critics with decisive substitute assist

In the second half, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres delivered the decisive assist to Mikel Merino, sparking Spain’s 1‑0 victory over Portugal and securing a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter‑finals. The cameo came after he entered the match from the bench, highlighting the impact of the substitute. Since the tournament began, the Barcelona forward has been under intense scrutiny, with many observers questioning his influence on the Spain side. The criticism intensified as the group stage progressed. The 25‑year‑old entered the match in the second half and immediately became a focal point, delivering the assist that led to Mikel Merino’s goal. His presence altered the rhythm of the game during a crucial stage. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Torres said, “Ultimately, in tournaments like this, these matches are decided by the players who come off the bench, and we saw that today.” The accompanying photo was credited to Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

Merino’s late strike saved Spain — but the Arsenal man never expected it

Torres explained that he had already anticipated Merino’s run before receiving the ball, adding, “I was confident Rodri would pass it to me, and when I controlled it, the ball bounced up a little, but I waited and played it to Mikel.” He even shouted “Mikel.” as the pass unfolded. One Portuguese defender attempted to close down the cross but was outmaneuvered by the swift combination. The action was captured in a picture by Molly Darlington/Getty. With the win, Spain moved into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter‑finals, and Luis de la Fuente emphasized the need for focus against any opponent. He warned that all future rivals will be tough and urged his squad to maintain enthusiasm and determination. The result underlines the importance of squad depth, showing that substitutes can be decisive in major tournaments. Spain now looks ahead to the next round, carrying the momentum of a hard‑earned victory.