Late Merino Goal Sends Spain Past Portugal, Ends Ronaldo’s World Cup Campaign

Late Merino Goal Sends Spain Past Portugal, Ends Ronaldo’s World Cup Campaign

Spain booked a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after edging Portugal 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 encounter, with Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

The decisive strike came in the closing moments of the match after Ferran Torres delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, allowing Merino to calmly beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa and seal Spain’s victory.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who led the attack alongside João Félix and Bruno Fernandes, came close on several occasions but was unable to find the breakthrough as Spain’s disciplined defence, marshalled by Rodri, frustrated the Portuguese forwards throughout the contest.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón also produced key saves to deny Ronaldo in the first half, while Diogo Costa kept Portugal in the game with a series of important stops at the other end.

Portugal suffered a setback in the second half when Nuno Mendes was forced off with a hamstring injury, disrupting the team’s rhythm as Spain increased the pressure in search of a late winner.

Merino’s goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters, while Portugal’s hopes of progressing ended in heartbreaking fashion.

The result sees Spain advance to the quarter-finals with another strong defensive display, while Portugal bow out of the tournament after a determined campaign that included victory over Croatia in the Round of 32.

For Ronaldo, the defeat marked a disappointing end to another World Cup campaign, as speculation continues over whether it was his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

Late Merino Goal Sends Spain Past Portugal, Ends Ronaldo’s World Cup Campaign