Merino puts Spain through as Portugal's Ronaldo faces World Cup farewell
Jul 07, 2026
Arlington (Texas) [US], July 7: Mikel Merino netted in stoppage time to send Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Portugal on Monday as Cristiano Ronaldo likely said goodbye to the World Cup.
Merino expertly finished off fellow substitute Ferran Torres' through-ball a minute after the 90 as the 2010 World Cup winners and reigning European champions got the better of their neighbours.
It means 41-year-old Portugal great Ronaldo is left with Euro 2016 glory and two Nations League titles as his only international honours.
The forward made his 27th and possibly last World Cup appearance.
Spain have now gone a fifth game without letting in a goal at this edition and a record six across men's tournaments.
In Friday's quarter-final near Los Angeles, the Spanish will play hosts the US or Belgium, who meet later on Monday.
Source: Qatar Tribune
