Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey ended in heartbreak on Monday night as a late strike from Mikel Merino handed Spain a 1-0 victory over Portugal in a tense Round of 16 clash at Dallas Stadium.
The veteran forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been widely tipped to be making his final appearance at the tournament, could not inspire a breakthrough as Portugal fell to a stoppage-time blow.
Ronaldo led the line with his usual intensity alongside João Félix and Bruno Fernandes, threatening in spells and forcing Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón into action in the first half.
But Spain national football team held firm, with Rodri anchoring a disciplined defensive structure that blunted Portugal’s attack for long periods.
The match remained tightly contested throughout, with few clear chances.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa kept his side in the game with key saves, including a double stop to deny Spain’s young attackers, while Ronaldo continued to probe for openings that rarely came.
A setback followed when Nuno Mendes was forced off with a hamstring injury midway through the second half, disrupting Portugal’s balance as Spain gradually pushed forward in search of a winner.
The decisive moment arrived in the first minute of stoppage time. A quick free-kick caught Portugal out, with Ferran Torres threading a pass into the box and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino finishing calmly past Costa to seal the contest.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Spanish supporters and silence among the Portuguese end, as Spain edged closer to their first major trophy in years.
Portugal exit the tournament after a resilient run, having earlier produced a dramatic win over Croatia in the Round of 32. Spain, meanwhile, extend their impressive defensive record and advance to the quarter-finals with growing belief.
