Late drama ends Portugal’s campaign
Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute to send Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals and eliminate Portugal with a 1-0 victory in Arlington, Texas. The Arsenal midfielder, introduced from the bench, finished clinically from Ferran Torres’s through pass to settle a tightly contested Round of 16 tie.
The decisive goal came when Portugal appeared favourites to force extra time. Merino’s strike continues his habit of decisive interventions in major tournaments; he previously scored the extra-time winner that eliminated Germany from their home European Championship two years ago. Spain, who won the Euros in 2024, will advance to face the winner of the United States versus Belgium match.
Portugal rue missed opportunities
Roberto Martínez’s side created the better first-half chances but failed to capitalise. Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar with a deflected effort, while Diogo Costa produced a superb double save to deny Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena shortly after Mikel Oyarzabal had missed a clear opportunity for Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo started as captain in what the 41-year-old has confirmed will be his final international tournament, yet he endured a quiet evening against a Spanish defence featuring Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí. The forward was unable to replicate his heroics from the 2018 World Cup, when he scored a hat-trick against Spain, or from last summer’s UEFA Nations League final, when he netted the winner against the same opponents.
Tactical decisions and unused options
Martínez opted to start João Félix alongside Ronaldo rather than Rafael Leão, leaving the Milan winger on the bench throughout despite his pace offering a potential outlet against tiring defenders. Renato Veiga retained his starting berth in central defence alongside Rúben Dias, with João Cancelo at right-back.
Spain’s lineup featured the familiar spine of Unai Simón in goal behind a defence including Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, with Rodri and Pedri controlling midfield. Alejandro Grimaldo, the former Bayer Leverkusen full-back who recently completed his move to Atlético Madrid, remained unused and is still awaiting his first minutes of the tournament.
Spain’s quarter-final return
The victory marks Spain’s first World Cup quarter-final appearance since their 2010 triumph in South Africa. Luis de la Fuente’s side demonstrated the defensive solidity and midfield control that carried them to European Championship glory last year, restricting Portugal to few clear chances after the interval.
For Portugal, the defeat represents another premature exit from a major tournament despite a squad featuring significant Serie A experience through Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes and Veiga, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus.