Spain beats Portugal 1-0 with stoppage-time goal, Ronaldo's World Cup career ends
A stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino gave Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's tournament career at age 41. Spain will face the winner of USA vs Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Match summary
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, on Monday evening. The Iberian derby was the third World Cup meeting between the neighbors; Spain won 1-0 in 2010, and they drew 3-3 in 2018. This time, a single stoppage-time goal settled a tight contest.
The first half was open. Mikel Oyarzabal had the first chance in the 3rd minute, forcing a save from Diogo Costa. João Cancelo fired over, and Oyarzabal missed another opportunity when clean through. Cristiano Ronaldo tested Unai Simon with a shot, and Diogo Costa made a double save to deny Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena. Dani Olmo also went close. Portugal came closest when Nuno Mendes' deflected shot struck the crossbar in the 41st minute.
After the break, the tempo dropped. Yamal's free-kick was tipped over by Costa, and Bruno Fernandes shot into the side-netting. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente made decisive substitutions, sending on Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino.
Decisive goal
In the 91st minute, Rodri found Ferran Torres, who slipped a pass behind the Portuguese defense for Merino. The Arsenal midfielder, on the field since the 85th minute, finished with a placed shot past Diogo Costa. Portugal threw everything forward in the remaining minutes, but headers from Bernardo Silva and João Neves missed the target, and Spain held on.
- Oyarzabal shot saved by Diogo Costa
- Nuno Mendes shot hits crossbar
- Yamal free-kick tipped over by Costa
- Merino scores winning goal
- Bernardo Silva header misses target
Ronaldo's last dance
Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, played his 27th and final World Cup match. He left the pitch in tears after the final whistle. The Portugal captain scored 11 goals across five World Cup tournaments. Portugal, who reached the quarterfinals in 2022, exit at the last-16 stage this time.
Spain's resurgence
Spain, the reigning European champion, reaches the quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 triumph. They have not conceded a goal in four matches at this World Cup. Under Luis de la Fuente, they have blended youth and experience, with Pedri, Yamal, and Cubarsí alongside Rodri and Laporte.
Quarterfinal picture
Spain will face the winner of the United States vs Belgium match, which kicks off later tonight. That tie has been overshadowed by controversy: FIFA reportedly lifted a suspension for American forward Folarin Balogun after a request from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino.
