Industry Odisha Bureau, July 7: Christiano Ronaldo’s final FIFA World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end after Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 on Monday. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in stoppage time which sent Spain into the quarterfinals.
Merino found the net in the 91st minute, just six minutes after coming on as a substitute. This broke Portugal’s stubborn defence that had held firm for most of the match. Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Ronaldo walked off the pitch to a standing ovation from the packed crowd at the Dallas stadium. He ended his World Cup career after confirming before the match that this would be his final appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
Noteworthy mentioning that Spain controlled possession for much of the game and created several early chances. Mikel Oyarzabal tested goalkeeper Diogo Costa from long range before missing a clear opportunity after being played through by Dani Olmo. At the other end, Joao Cancelo and Christiano Ronaldo also threatened, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon kept Portugal in check.
Spain continued to dominate after the break, with Rodri and Pedri controlling the midfield. However, Portugal’s disciplined defence frustrated the European champions for most of the second half. The breakthrough finally arrived when Merino capitalised on a well worked free kick routine. Ferran Torres laid the ball into his path, and the midfielder calmly slotted his shot into the bottom corner.
Portugal pushed for a late equaliser, and Bernardo Silva came agonisingly close in stoppage time, but his header sailed just over the bar. The narrow victory secured Spain’s place in the last eight of 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Ronaldo’s World Cup career came to an emotional end.
