Substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner as Spain defeated their Iberian neighbors in dramatic fashion. Spain beats Portugal 1-0 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Monday. The victory sends La Roja to their first quarterfinals since lifting their only World Cup trophy in 2010. Spain will next face the winner of Monday’s second match between the United States and Belgium. That quarterfinal will occur on Friday in Inglewood.
Merino’s strike arrived just six minutes after officials sent him onto the pitch. Therefore, the substitute made an immediate impact when it mattered most. His clinical finish sealed victory for Spain in stoppage time. The goal came during what was a largely uneventful second half. So Spain’s late pressure ultimately broke Portuguese resistance.
The match marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance. The legendary forward had announced he would retire after this tournament. Ronaldo scored three goals at his record-tying sixth World Cup. However, he will complete his elite tournament tenure without reaching a final. Unlike Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who won the 2022 tournament in his fifth appearance, Ronaldo’s World Cup dream remains unfulfilled. Messi reached the 2014 final before finally winning in Qatar. Meanwhile, Portugal’s best performance during Ronaldo’s era came during his 2006 tournament debut semifinal run. Therefore, Ronaldo departs without achieving his ultimate World Cup objective.
Merino scored the winner in the 90+1st minute after a seemingly innocent restart. Fellow substitutes Ferran Torres and Fabian Ruiz combined through the middle. They played Merino into the penalty area alone. The striker made the run between the centre-halves. Subsequently, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner with precision.
Portugal’s attack came alive late searching desperately for a miracle equaliser. Bernardo Silva came closest to levelling with a header that narrowly cleared the bar. This chance arrived six minutes into added time. However, the opportunity would have been undeserved. Spain beats Portugal because Portugal’s attack rarely troubled goalkeeper Unai Simon throughout the match. The Spanish keeper finished with only two saves while keeping Spain the tournament’s only side yet to concede. Therefore, Spain’s defensive solidity proved decisive when Spain beats Portugal in this critical encounter.
