Key points
- Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.
- Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
- The defeat ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s final FIFA World Cup campaign.
- Spain will face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Main story
Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Monday after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the first minute of stoppage time, converting from close range after a well-worked free-kick to settle a tightly contested Round of 16 encounter.
The Iberian rivals struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening half, with Spain enjoying more possession while Portugal threatened on the counter-attack.
Spain came closest through Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal, but goalkeeper Diogo Costa made several important saves to keep Portugal in the contest.
Portugal responded through Ronaldo, João Félix and Pedro Neto, but were unable to find a way past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The match became increasingly physical after the break as both sides made attacking substitutions in search of a breakthrough.
Portugal almost took the lead when Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar with a powerful effort that took a slight deflection.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the 91st minute when Ferran Torres set up Merino, who calmly slotted the ball beyond Costa.
Portugal pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Bernardo Silva headed narrowly wide before Spain held on to secure victory.
The result brought an end to Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup career after the 41-year-old had confirmed before the tournament that it would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The issues
The defeat ends Portugal’s World Cup campaign and marks the conclusion of Ronaldo’s career at the tournament, where he became the first player to score in five different FIFA World Cups. Spain, meanwhile, continue their quest for a second World Cup title and will be looking to build on another disciplined performance as they progress to the last eight.
What’s being said
“I hope tomorrow won’t be my last match.” — Cristiano Ronaldo
“We remained patient and believed the opportunity would come.” — Luis de la Fuente
What’s next
Spain will face the winners of the Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium for a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, while Portugal exit the tournament following their narrow defeat.
Bottom line
A stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino sent Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals and brought Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious World Cup career to an emotional end.
