Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike sent Spain into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals as they edged Portugal 1-0 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 7. Luis de la Fuente’s side will now travel to Los Angeles to face the winners of the USA–Belgium match, while Portugal’s campaign ended in heartbreak.
The final whistle also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. The 41-year-old had said before the game, “This will be my last World Cup.” Across his World Cup appearances he scored 11 goals in 27 matches and became the first man to score in six editions of the tournament.
The match began evenly but with Spain offering more attacking intent. Early pressure saw Mikel Oyarzabal force a sharp save from Diogo Costa inside three minutes, and Portugal replied when Joao Cancelo’s powerful run produced a shot that flew over the bar.
Spain continued to probe: Dani Olmo set up Oyarzabal, whose attempt was kept out as Costa rushed off his line. Cristiano Ronaldo then unleashed a fierce effort that Unai Simón only partially held, but Portugal weathered the opening onslaught.
A frenetic spell followed, during which Costa produced two excellent saves from shots by Álvaro Lamal and Víctor Baena. Portugal’s best moment came from a João Félix assist to Ronaldo for an acrobatic attempt that Simón saved, and a Nuno Mendes strike later rattled the crossbar after a deflection off Pedro Porro.
The second half remained tight but Portugal grew into the game, with Pedro Neto’s runs down the right causing problems. Nuno Mendes was forced off injured and replaced by Nélson Semedo, yet Portugal continued to manage Spain’s attacks with resilience.
Tactics dominated the closing stages, with Lamine Yamal winning a free-kick that produced a corner after Costa saved. Rafael Leão’s introduction in the final 15 minutes injected fresh momentum for Portugal and led to a strong chance for Bruno Fernandes that hit the side netting.
With the tie still deadlocked in extra time, Merino broke clear and slotted past Diogo Costa to settle the contest. Portugal pushed again and Bernardo Silva glanced a late header narrowly wide, but Spain held on to book their place in the last eight.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/fifa-wc-merinos-late-winner-helps-spain-knock-out-portugal-in-the-last-16
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Publish Date: 2026-07-07 10:25:00
