During preparations for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Spain, Portugal defender Semedo was interviewed by numerous media outlets at the national team training camp.

What do you think of Cape Verde's performance in this tournament?

I followed their matches. I think the most important thing is that Cape Verde almost won. They are a small country but have extremely high strength. Their belief is incredible, and I am glad they can represent Africa in this way. I want to congratulate and thank them.

Speaking about the upcoming match against Spain

We are full of confidence because we know what kind of squad we have. We are going to face an excellent team, but we also know our own strengths and areas for improvement. We still have two days to prepare, and everyone is very confident right now.

If you and Nuno Mendes had a 100-meter race, who would win?

Nuno would definitely win. He's younger and very fast. He's like he has an endless oxygen tank; I often ask him how he maintains such energy output. He has proven how strong he is, and we must make good use of this; he is a great asset to the team.

Did the victory in the last match silence external criticism? Is the match against Spain an early final?

Criticism is always unavoidable, and I think the most important thing is to maintain self-reflection, which is what we have been doing and will continue to do. Only then can we have room for improvement. We know the next match will be tough, and I would even say it's an early final. I think it will be a great match, and I hope Portugal can win it.

Against Spain, how should Portugal limit the movement of their midfielders and forwards?

Spain is a great team, and Lamine Yamal is an excellent player, but if we only focus on him, we will be in big trouble. They have many game-changing players, and we must stay vigilant, but even more so, focus on ourselves. We must know what we need to do, keep a clear head, and give our all. I am very confident that we can do this.

Will there be a clear favorite in this match?

I don't think there's an absolute favorite in this match. We are two very good and strong teams, and the match will be very evenly matched. We won last time (referring to the Nations League final) in extra time and a penalty shootout, and I hope for the same result this time. Hard work and suffering are part of the game; only then can we go all the way. If I have to suffer to win, I am completely willing to endure it.

There has been much discussion about fitness and rotation. How far do you feel you are from returning to the starting lineup?

I feel I am ready to play for Portugal, no matter what way. The most important thing is that we do our best to help Portugal go as far as possible. I think everyone is ready to play. Gonçalo (Ramos), despite not having much playing time, also played a decisive role. Our focus now is on the team.

You previously mentioned some criticisms the national team faced. Can this match allow Portugal to prove they are strong contenders for the title?

The most important thing is to win the match; we must take it one game at a time. We are full of confidence and also know where we need to improve. I think it's about focusing on the current game, doing our job, and then thinking about the next one. We must be grounded and focus on the present.

What is the key to limiting Lamine Yamal? Did you know about him when you played for Barcelona?

No, he was too young then. At that time, we just had Ansu Fati join our team. Lamine is a gem for them and may play a decisive role, but we have proven that we have a team strong enough to compete with them.

How does it feel to prepare in Toronto?

We had a few hours to explore the city. I went out with some teammates to get some fresh air and learn about the city. This is my first time here. There are many Portuguese people here, and there is a large community.

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