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Merino, who came on as a substitute, scored in the first minute of added time after Ferran Torres set him up at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match. (AFP photo)
Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner as Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign.
Merino, who came on as a substitute, scored in the first minute of added time after Ferran Torres set him up at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The win sent Spain into the last eight, where they will face either the US or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.
The match had promised a lot, with two European giants facing each other, but both teams struggled to create clear chances for much of the game. Extra time looked likely before Merino’s late strike settled the contest.
Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Ends In Defeat
The defeat marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. The 41-year-old Portugal captain had already confirmed before the match that this would be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Ronaldo, who now plays club football in Saudi Arabia, received a mixed reaction from the crowd, with fans both cheering and jeering him during the match. He had one of Portugal’s better chances in the first half, forcing a save from Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon with a shot from a tight angle.
Portugal and Spain entered the game unbeaten, but Spain continued their strong defensive record and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Merino Decides Tight Contest Late
Spain had early chances through Mikel Oyarzabal, Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made important saves to keep the game level.
Portugal also came close before half-time when Nuno Mendes’ shot was accidentally deflected onto the crossbar by Spain defender Pedro Porro.
The game remained tense after the break, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez made several substitutions in search of a goal, but Spain’s defence held firm.
Finally, in the closing moments, Merino found space inside the box and calmly finished to send Spain into the quarter-finals and end Portugal’s World Cup hopes.
(With inputs from agencies)
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