Rafael Louzán Joins the National Team for Its World Cup Knockout Clash Against Portugal

Shortly after midday on Monday, 6 July—late afternoon in Spain—the Spain national team's coach arrived at Dallas Stadium, the venue for the Iberian Round of 16 showdown at the FIFA World Cup.

RFEF President Rafael Louzán led the Spanish delegation into the stadium, alongside head coach Luis de la Fuente, at the head of the squad and coaching staff.

Before kick-off against Portugal, the RFEF President took part in the official pre-match protocol, exchanging commemorative shirts with his counterpart Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation. Louzán also received official commemorative gifts from Johanna Wood, FIFA Council member, and Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General, representing world football's governing body.

Several Spain legends were present in Dallas to support the national team, including Carles Puyol, Fernando Hierro, Míchel Salgado and Fernando Llorente, whose performance proved decisive the last time Spain eliminated Portugal from a FIFA World Cup. Portugal, meanwhile, was backed from the stands by iconic former internationals such as Deco, Pepe and Nuno Gomes.

The match marked the third World Cup finals meeting between the Iberian neighbours, with Portugal and Spain battling for a place in the quarter-finals of a historic FIFA World Cup that will conclude in the United States on 19 July.