The defeat marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. The 41-year-old had confirmed before the tournament that it would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Mikel Merino struck deep into extra time to hand Spain a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious World Cup career to an end.
Merino’s decisive goal at Dallas Stadium settled a tense last-16 contest that appeared destined for penalties. Spain will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals at Los Angeles Stadium after the Red Devils defeated the United States.
The defeat marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup journey. The 41-year-old had confirmed before the tournament that it would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Across six World Cups, the Portuguese captain scored 11 goals in 27 matches and became the first men’s player to find the net in six different editions of the tournament.
Spain made the brighter start, creating the first clear opportunity inside three minutes when Mikel Oyarzabal tested goalkeeper Diogo Costa with a low effort.
Portugal responded quickly through Joao Cancelo, whose powerful strike sailed over the crossbar, before Oyarzabal squandered another promising chance after being set up by Dani Olmo.
The match developed into an evenly contested affair, with both goalkeepers called into action. Ronaldo forced Unai Simón into a save with a fierce long-range effort, while Costa produced impressive stops to deny Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena as Spain increased the pressure.
Portugal enjoyed their best spell late in the first half. Ronaldo came close with an acrobatic effort following a cross from João Félix, while Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar after his shot took a slight deflection.
The second half remained closely fought, with Portugal looking increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack despite losing Nuno Mendes to injury. Pedro Neto repeatedly threatened down the right flank, while Spain continued to dominate possession without creating many clear-cut opportunities.
Substitute Rafael Leão injected fresh pace into Portugal’s attack in the closing stages, creating one of the best chances of the match for Bruno Fernandes, whose effort found the side netting.
With penalties looming, Spain found the breakthrough in extra time. Merino timed his run perfectly before firing past Diogo Costa to break the deadlock and send the Spanish supporters into celebration.
Portugal pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Bernardo Silva going closest when his late header drifted narrowly wide, but Spain held firm to seal a hard-fought victory.
The win keeps Spain’s World Cup title hopes alive, while Portugal bow out after a spirited performance, bringing the curtain down on Ronaldo’s remarkable World Cup career.
