Rodri believes Spain have 'more to come' ahead of Portugal World Cup clash

The European champions have grown stronger with every match after opening their campaign with a surprise 0-0 draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde. 

They responded with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 win against Uruguay to finish top of their group before producing an impressive 3-0 victory over Austria in the last 32.

As Spain get ready to take on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal for a place in the quarter-finals, Rodri says the team are continuing to improve and expects even better performances in the knockout rounds.

"Spain's evolution at the tournament has been gradual," the Manchester City midfielder said.

"Obviously that is normal because in the first games you try to adapt to a different environment, different pitches and different types of teams you face. It is never easy.

"So I think we have grown gradually, always improving and always knowing that the biggest moments are coming now."

Rodri says Spain never doubted themselves after their frustrating opening draw with Cape Verde and believes the squad have benefited from staying patient.

"We didn't lose our heads, we stayed calm, and I think right now we still have a big gap of improvement," he said.