Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 on Monday to book a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and bring Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career to an end.
The reigning European champions will now face either the United States—the only remaining co-host nation—or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday in Los Angeles.
Played before a crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys in Texas, the highly anticipated last-16 clash struggled to live up to expectations for much of the contest.
With extra time appearing inevitable, fellow substitute Ferran Torres slipped a pass through to Merino, who calmly finished in the first minute of stoppage time to seal Spain’s victory.
The defeat marked a disappointing end to Ronaldo’s World Cup journey after the 41-year-old, who now plays club football in Saudi Arabia, confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be the last World Cup of his career.
Both sides entered the encounter unbeaten, although Portugal had produced less convincing performances than Spain, who have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Despite their rich footballing history, Spain have won the FIFA World Cup only once, in 2010, while Portugal’s best finish remains third place in 1966.
The match had been billed as a clash between generations, featuring veteran Ronaldo and Spain’s 18-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
Before kick-off, the stadium observed a sombre moment as a black-and-white image of the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota was displayed on the giant screen in tribute.
Spain nearly took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when Dani Olmo played Mikel Oyarzabal through on goal, but the forward dragged his effort wide with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat.
Ronaldo soon tested Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon from a tight angle, while Spain responded by increasing the pressure, with Yamal and Alex Baena both forcing impressive saves from Costa.
Ronaldo, who was cheered and jeered in equal measure throughout the match, remained largely isolated in attack as Portugal struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.
Portugal finished the first half strongly and came close to breaking the deadlock when Spain defender Pedro Porro inadvertently headed a powerful Nuno Mendes effort onto his own crossbar.
Yamal found it difficult to get past Mendes, but Portugal suffered a setback in the 56th minute when the Paris Saint-Germain full-back was forced off through injury.
With the game lacking attacking quality, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez introduced fresh legs in the 71st and 83rd minutes but opted to keep Ronaldo on the pitch.
Just when extra time looked certain, Merino struck the decisive goal with a composed finish, securing Spain’s place in the last eight and ending Ronaldo’s final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Source: AFP
