Merino's late strike ends Ronaldo's World Cup dream as Spain eliminate Portugal

Spain 1-0 Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo's final FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak on Monday as Spain struck deep into stoppage time to beat Portugal 1-0 and book their place in the quarter-finals. Substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the hero, scoring in the first minute of added time to settle a tense match that had seemed destined for extra time. Spain's victory extends their remarkable defensive record at the tournament, with La Roja yet to concede a goal, and sets up a quarter-final showdown with either the United States or Belgium. For Portugal, however, it marked the end of an era. The 41-year-old Ronaldo, who had already confirmed this would be his final World Cup, bowed out without ever lifting football's biggest prize despite another outstanding international career that has redefined longevity and goalscoring excellence. Head coach Roberto Martínez sprang a surprise before kick-off by selecting João Félix ahead of Rafael Leão, whose pace and creativity had inspired Portugal's victory over Croatia in the previous round. The decision reflected Portugal's desire to contain Spain's dangerous wide players, particularly teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, rather than engage in an open attacking contest. Spain dominated possession and dictated the tempo, while Portugal sat deep, remaining compact and looking to spring forward on the counterattack whenever opportunities arose. Luis de la Fuente's side controlled the first half but struggled to convert their superiority into clear-cut chances, although they came close on several occasions against a disciplined Portuguese defence. Portugal's hopes suffered a major setback early in the second half when influential left-back Nuno Mendes was forced off with what appeared to be a recurring muscle injury after struggling to cope physically with the demands of containing Yamal. Nelson Semedo was shifted across to fill the void and largely succeeded in limiting the Barcelona teenager's influence. As the match wore on, extra time appeared increasingly inevitable. Martínez introduced Leão midway through the second half, and the AC Milan winger immediately gave Portugal a greater attacking threat down the left, while Bernardo Silva also came off the bench in search of a breakthrough. Yet it was Spain's substitutes who ultimately proved decisive. In the first minute of stoppage time, Ferran Torres reacted quickly to a free-kick, slipping an intelligent pass into the path of Merino, who timed his run perfectly before drilling a low finish beyond the otherwise outstanding Diogo Costa. The goal stunned Portugal, who had no substitutions remaining and little time to respond. Leão attempted to spark one final attack, while Bernardo Silva headed over the crossbar in the dying moments, but Spain held firm to secure the victory. Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening, managing just 19 touches and three shots, with two routine efforts comfortably handled by Unai Simón, whose remarkable run without conceding at this World Cup continued. The Portuguese captain leaves the tournament with three goals, having scored twice against Uzbekistan in the group stage and once from the penalty spot against Croatia in the round of 32. His departure also closes the curtain on a World Cup career that, despite countless individual milestones, never delivered the one trophy that eluded him. For Spain, meanwhile, belief continues to grow. With five consecutive clean sheets, a balanced squad blending youthful brilliance with experience, and another composed knockout performance behind them, La Roja look every bit genuine contenders to lift the trophy.

World Cup 2026

Merino's late strike ends Ronaldo's World Cup dream as Spain eliminate Portugal