[Saba Sports News] In the World Cup Round of 16, Spain beat Portugal 1-0 to secure their spot in the quarter-finals. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the stoppage-time winner to seal victory for Spain. Late in the game, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva headed over the bar and collapsed to the turf in frustration. Rodri, Spain’s defensive midfielder, then marched over and performed an in-your-face celebration right next to Bernardo Silva. The gesture enraged Bernardo Silva, who jumped straight up to confront Rodri. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón rushed over to separate the pair and calm the situation. Bernardo Silva spent many years at Manchester City before leaving on a free transfer to join Real Madrid this summer. Rodri signed for Manchester City in the summer transfer window of 2019, making the two long-time former teammates and midfield partners. In post-match interviews, Rodri stated that he had already apologised to Bernardo Silva.
The editor believes that Rodri was clearly in the wrong. Bernardo Silva had just missed a golden goalscoring chance, yet Rodri chose to celebrate right in front of him. Now that Rodri has apologized to Bernardo Silva, this incident can be put to rest.