SPAIN booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal a 1-0 victory over Portugal, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career to an emotional close.
Merino, introduced from the bench, converted Ferran Torres’ precise pass in the opening minute of added time after both sides had struggled to create clear-cut opportunities throughout an otherwise cagey last-16 encounter.
AFP reported on Tuesday that the late breakthrough ensured Spain maintained their flawless defensive record in the tournament while extending their unbeaten run, setting up a quarter-final clash against either the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Saturday.
For Portugal, the defeat marked the end of an era as 41-year-old Ronaldo exited the World Cup stage for the final time. The veteran forward, now playing club football in Saudi Arabia, had confirmed before the match that the 2026 tournament would be his last appearance at football’s biggest event.
Played before a crowd of 70,649 at the Dallas Cowboys’ NFL stadium in Arlington, the heavyweight European showdown fell short of expectations, with both teams cancelling each other out for much of the contest.
The match also carried symbolic significance as it pitted Portugal’s iconic captain against Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, highlighting the contrast between one of football’s greatest careers approaching its conclusion and another just beginning.
Before kick-off, the stadium observed a poignant tribute to the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota, whose image was displayed on the giant screens.
Spain created the first major opportunity after 10 minutes when Dani Olmo slipped Mikel Oyarzabal through on goal, but the forward failed to hit the target despite finding himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal responded through Ronaldo, whose effort from a tight angle forced Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón into a sharp save.
As Spain gradually assumed control, Yamal and Alex Baena both tested Costa, with the Portugal goalkeeper producing an outstanding fingertip save to keep the scores level.
Ronaldo, who received a mixture of cheers and jeers from supporters, struggled to make a decisive impact playing through the centre of Portugal’s attack.
Portugal finished the first half strongly and came within inches of taking the lead when Nuno Mendes’ effort deflected off Pedro Porro before striking Spain’s crossbar.
Yamal found himself largely contained by Mendes until the Paris Saint-Germain full-back was forced off with injury in the 56th minute.
With extra time looming, Spain found the decisive breakthrough when Torres picked out Merino, who calmly finished to secure the European champions’ place in the last eight and end Portugal’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion. – July 7, 2026
