Mikel Merino struck deep into extra time to fire Spain to a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, securing a place in the quarter-finals.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will now face the winner of the USA vs Belgium clash in Los Angeles. The defeat also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey, with the 41-year-old having confirmed before the match that this would be his final appearance at football’s biggest tournament. Portugal created several chances through Ronaldo, Pedro Neto and Nuno Mendes, while Spain threatened via Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal.
With penalties looming, Merino found the decisive breakthrough to send Spain into the last eight and end Portugal’s campaign.
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