Merino’s late goal puts Spain into quarter-finals as Portugal exit

Spain are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner against Portugal. Ferran Torres created the chance with a through-ball, and Merino finished past Diogo Costa to decide a tense last-16 tie.

The result ends Portugal’s campaign and, according to the source report, closes Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in this tournament. Ronaldo, now 41, is noted as the only player to have scored in six different World Cups, but the report presents this match as a subdued final chapter on that stage.

Beyond the late goal, the match was framed as a midfield contest in which Spain gradually found more control. Rodri was described as improving in influence, while Nuno Mendes stood out for Portugal, hitting the bar before half-time and later going off after overstretching while blocking an effort from Lamine Yamal.

Spain’s attack was still portrayed as less sharp than during their Euros run two years earlier, with Lamine Yamal not having the same impact as before and the left side lacking the threat associated with Nico Williams. Even so, Spain did enough to move on and are set to face either the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.