Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday. Finance Ministry unveils fund release strategy for 2026-27 Merino struck in the first minute of added time after fellow substitute Ferran Torres set him up, breaking the deadlock just as the match appeared destined for extra time. The victory also brought an emotional end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career. The 41-year-old Portugal captain had confirmed before the match that the tournament would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday in Los Angeles. A crowd of 70,649 watched the last-16 clash at the home of the Dallas Cowboys. Although the match promised an attacking contest, both teams struggled to create clear chances for much of the game. Spain came closest early on when Dani Olmo played through Mikel Oyarzabal. However, the forward dragged his shot wide with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat. At the other end, Ronaldo tested Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon with a powerful effort from a tight angle. Later, Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena forced Costa into two important saves as Spain increased the pressure. Portugal nearly broke the deadlock before half-time when Pedro Porro accidentally diverted Nuno Mendes’ shot onto his own crossbar. Mendes later left the field with an injury after 56 minutes, dealing Portugal a significant setback. Meanwhile, Ronaldo remained largely quiet despite staying on the pitch until the final whistle. As the match headed towards extra time, Torres slipped a precise pass into Merino. The Arsenal midfielder calmly finished the move to send the European champions into the last eight. Spain have yet to concede a goal in the tournament and remain among the favourites to win the World Cup. Their only previous title came in 2010, while Portugal’s best finish remains third place in 1966. Post navigation Babar Azam: Pakistan appoints Babar Azam as Test captain for West Indies and England tours
