- Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 via a stoppage-time winner.
- Mikel Merino netted the decisive goal, sending Spain to quarter-finals.
- Portugal’s loss ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup career.
FIFA World Cup Portugal vs Spain: Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking conclusion as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Mikel Merino emerged as the hero at Dallas Stadium, scoring deep into added time to send Luis de la Fuente’s side through to the last eight and end Portugal’s hopes of lifting the trophy. Spain will now travel to Los Angeles Stadium for a quarter-final clash against the winner of the USA vs Belgium.
On the other hand, this defeat seemingly marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career as the Portugal captain had stated before the match that the 2026 edition would be his last.
Merino Delivers Late As Spain Finally Break Through
The Round of 16 encounter was a tense and tactical affair, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to find the breakthrough for much of the contest.
Spain came closest in the opening half when Mikel Oyarzabal was released behind the Portugal defence by Dani Olmo. However, the forward failed to hit the target, dragging his effort wide.
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Goalkeeper Diogo Costa then produced an outstanding save to push Alex Baena’s curling effort around the post and keep the scores level.
Portugal also threatened through their captain. Ronaldo looked dangerous whenever he found space, while Nuno Mendes came agonisingly close to putting his side ahead after his deflected strike crashed against the crossbar.
The second half saw both teams adopt a more cautious approach, with clear-cut chances becoming increasingly rare as extra time appeared inevitable.
Ronaldo’s World Cup Career Ends In Heartbreak
Just when the match seemed destined for another 30 minutes, Spain found the decisive moment. Substitute Ferran Torres picked out fellow replacement Mikel Merino, who drilled a precise low finish beyond the goalkeeper in stoppage time to settle the contest.
The goal not only booked Spain’s place in the quarter-finals but also brought the curtain down on Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
The Portugal legend bows out after scoring 11 goals in 27 World Cup appearances while becoming the first men’s player to find the net in six different editions of the tournament.
Before You Go
Sports Shock: Five-time champions Brazil knocked out in Round of 32.
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