Spain booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino’s dramatic stoppage-time winner sealed a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage to a painful end.
The tightly contested last-16 clash looked destined for extra time before Spain finally found a breakthrough in the 91st minute. Ferran Torres spotted Merino’s run behind the Portuguese defence, and the Arsenal midfielder kept his composure to send a low finish beyond Diogo Costa.
The victory was a repeat of Spain’s 1-0 knockout win over Portugal at the 2010 World Cup and sets up a quarter-final meeting with Belgium in Los Angeles on 10 July.
Spain made the brighter start and almost took the lead inside three minutes when Dani Olmo released Mikel Oyarzabal, but the Real Sociedad forward dragged his shot wide. Costa then kept Portugal level with an impressive double save, first stopping Lamine Yamal before denying Alex Baena on the rebound.
Portugal gradually found their rhythm and came closest before half-time when Nuno Mendes’ powerful left-footed effort deflected off Pedro Porro and crashed against the crossbar.
The second half offered fewer chances as both teams struggled to find attacking momentum. Ronaldo, playing in his final World Cup at the age of 41, endured a frustrating evening as Spain’s defence limited his influence.
Bruno Fernandes threatened with a shot into the side-netting in the 76th minute, while Ruben Dias produced an important block to stop Olmo’s effort at the other end. But just as another tense extra-time battle between the Iberian rivals appeared likely, Spain struck.
After Rodri won a free-kick, Torres reacted quickly and created the decisive opportunity for Merino, whose clinical finish sparked Spanish celebrations.
The result continued the recent trend of close matches between the two nations. Six of their previous seven meetings before this encounter had ended level after 90 minutes, including the 2025 Nations League final, which Portugal won on penalties.
For Ronaldo, however, there would be no final heroic moment. The Portugal captain, who inspired his country to Euro 2016 glory and won five Champions League titles during his legendary career, had already confirmed this would be his last World Cup.
He tested Unai Simon early and nearly connected with a Joao Felix knockdown before half-time, but finished the match with just 19 touches as Spain controlled his threat. Simon’s latest clean sheet extended his World Cup run without conceding to 609 minutes.
After the final whistle, 18-year-old Spain star Yamal was among the players who comforted Ronaldo, creating a symbolic moment as one generation of football greatness stepped aside while another continued its rise.