Spain snatched a dramatic late victory over Portugal on Sunday night, as Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 win and sent La Roja into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tightly contested Round of 16 clash, played amid high expectations, appeared destined for extra time before Merino struck in the 91st minute to break Portuguese hearts and potentially bring an end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s storied international career.
Both sides created chances in an evenly balanced first half but failed to find the breakthrough. Spain came closest early on when Mikel Oyarzabal found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Diogo Costa, only to send his effort wide.
Portugal responded through Nuno Mendes, whose powerful strike beat Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón but crashed off the crossbar.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also threatened for Spain, but his efforts could not find the back of the net as the first half ended goalless.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Spain dominating possession while Portugal looked to strike on the counter. Despite the intensity, clear-cut chances remained scarce.
Portugal’s best opportunity after the break came in the 76th minute when Bruno Fernandes fired narrowly wide, raising hopes among the Portuguese fans.
As the clock ticked down, head coach Roberto Martinez made tactical substitutions in search of fresh energy but kept faith with Ronaldo, the 41-year-old captain whose influence has waned in recent years.
Just as the match seemed set for extra time, Spain found the decisive moment. Rodri delivered a precise pass to Ferran Torres, who turned swiftly before threading the ball to an unmarked Merino. The midfielder made no mistake, calmly slotting past Costa to seal the win.
Portugal nearly forced a dramatic equaliser moments later, but Bernardo Silva’s header sailed agonisingly over the crossbar with Simón beaten.
Speaking after the match, Spanish midfielder Rodri said, “We knew it would be difficult, but we stayed patient and took our moment when it mattered most.”
An emotional Ronaldo was seen in tears after the final whistle, applauding supporters in what could be his final World Cup appearance. The defeat marks his sixth tournament with Portugal, and with the next edition four years away, questions remain over whether the football icon will return at the age of 45.
Spain will now face the winner of the United States versus Belgium clash in the quarter-finals.
More details to follow…