.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The most important matchup on the pitch for Portugal was its left back, Nuno Mendes, marking Spain's right wing, Lamine Yamal.
Injury has changed everything about 55 minutes into the World Cup Round of 16 match on Monday.
Mendes was subbed off.
Nelson Semedo came on.
Lamine Yamal may be licking his chops to get to run at a lesser defender.
MORE: Singing Hey Jude as Bellingham sets epic World Cup record
What happened to Nuno Mendes?
Mendes was injured early in the second half.
He appeared to strain a muscle as he slid to block a pass, and his face told the story.
It was clear that Mendes knew something wasn't quite right.
MORE: An airport decision changed everything for Folarin Balogun
The trainers came to check on him, and he limped off on his own power, but the signal to the bench had gone straight away.
Mendes was subbed almost immediately. Semedo came on.
The way it will play out from this point could be what determines which team moves on to the quarterfinals in this battle of rivals of the Iberian Peninsula.
English (US)