Merino’s late winner leaves Ronaldo heartbroken
Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended in heartbreak as substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to send Spain into the quarter-finals with a tense 1–0 victory over Portugal at Dallas Stadium.
Spain created the first clear opportunity when Dani Olmo released Mikel Oyarzabal, but the forward dragged his shot wide. Ronaldo later tested Unai Simón after Bruno Fernandes dispossessed Pedri.
Diogo Costa kept Portugal level with two saves in quick succession, denying Lamine Yamal before producing a full-stretch stop from Álex Baena’s follow-up effort.
Portugal finished the first half strongly. Simón saved João Félix’s header and Ronaldo’s rebound, before Nuno Mendes’ powerful strike deflected off Pedro Porro and struck the crossbar.
Spain controlled possession after the interval but struggled to break through Portugal’s organised defence. Costa tipped Yamal’s free-kick over, while Fernandes fired into the side-netting at the opposite end.
The breakthrough arrived in the first minute of stoppage time. Merino took a quick free-kick before continuing his run, receiving Ferran Torres’ return pass and calmly finishing into the bottom corner.
Bernardo Silva headed over an excellent late opportunity to force extra time. At the final whistle, Ronaldo was left visibly devastated as Portugal’s campaign ended and his last chance to win the World Cup disappeared.
Spain progressed to face Belgium in the quarter-finals, while Portugal were eliminated in what proved to be Ronaldo’s final appearance on the tournament’s biggest stage.
Scorer:
Spain: Merino 90+1’
Player of the Match: Rodri