Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup journey came to an end on Monday after substitute Mikel Merino scored a 91st-minute winner to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal in their Round of 16 clash in Dallas.
Merino, who came off the bench in the second half, latched onto a pass from fellow substitute Ferran Torres before finishing low past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
The victory sets up a last-eight meeting with either co-hosts the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, 10 July.
Portugal’s defeat also marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey after the 41-year-old had confirmed before the tournament that the 2026 edition would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Spain dominated much of the opening half but struggled to convert their chances.
Mikel Oyarzabal missed an early opportunity after being played through by Dani Olmo, dragging his shot wide after just three minutes.
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Costa then kept Portugal level with two quick saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena as Spain continued to press.
Portugal came closest before halftime when Nuno Mendes’ powerful left-footed effort took a deflection off Pedro Porro and struck the crossbar.
Portugal improved after the interval and enjoyed more possession, but clear-cut chances remained limited.
Bruno Fernandes fired into the side-netting in the 76th minute, while at the other end Ruben Dias produced a crucial block to stop Olmo from close range.
With extra time approaching, Spain’s substitutes combined to decide the contest. Torres threaded a pass into Merino, who calmly slotted the ball beyond Costa in the 91st minute to secure Spain’s place in the quarter-finals.
End of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey
Ronaldo was making what he had already announced would be the final World Cup appearance of his career.
The Portugal captain, who has represented his country across multiple World Cup tournaments, was unable to inspire a comeback as Spain progressed with a narrow victory.
Spain’s 1-0 win also repeated the outcome of the teams’ Round of 16 meeting at the 2010 World Cup, sending La Roja into another quarter-final while bringing Ronaldo’s World Cup career to a close.
