Spain laboured to an uninspiring 1-0 victory over Iberian rivals Portugal in their last-16 tie to set up a quarter-final meeting with the winners of USA vs Belgium.
In an underwhelming game that failed to live up to billing in Dallas, Mikel Merino proved decisive, arriving late from the bench and latching onto a smart Ferran Torres pass to plant beyond the clutches of Diogo Costa in second-half stoppage time.
His calm and conclusive strike was the only real moment of quality from an encounter boasting so many superstars, none of whom were able to rise to the occasion quite in the way many rival nations’ high-profile players have.
The result, of course, has consequences for Portugal beyond ending their tournament, too. Cristiano Ronaldo revealed before the game that this summer marks his last appearance at a World Cup. The Portugal captain was visibly emotional at the close, knowing his side failed to properly show up for his final farewell. There will be no fairytale end.
Ronaldo was actually the only Portugal player to land a shot on target all night, with Spain’s immense control and impressive defensive structure winning out. They have become the first team in World Cup history to register six successive clean sheets, and are yet to concede a goal at this tournament.
Luis de la Fuente’s side advance to the quarter-final stage for the first time since winning their only World Cup title back in 2010 in South Africa, and face either the United States or Belgium on Friday.
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