Merino’s late strike ends Ronaldo’s World Cup dream

Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the
2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Iberian derby at the Dallas Stadium looked destined
for extra time before substitute Merino found the back of the net in the final
minute of normal time, ending Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup
dream.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo was in tears at the end of the match
as another, and probably his final, opportunity to win the elusive crown jewel
of a trophy slipped away.

Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Portugal and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 6, 2026. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)

The fixture was entirely cagey, mostly a listless match, in
which Spain was content to control the tempo, with little final-third action
from either team.

After Mikel Oyazabal failed to convert a glorious chance in
the seventh minute, the next impressive attacking action was in the 41st
minute, when Nuno Mendes unleashed a thunderous effort which deflected off
Pedro Porro and beat Unai Simón, only to rattle the crossbar.

As the second half progressed, clear-cut opportunities
remained at a premium. Martinez attempted to inject fresh energy into the
Portuguese squad, swapping out Nuno Mendes and João Cancelo for Nélson Semedo
and Diogo Dalot. Later, Rafael Leão and Bernardo Silva were thrown into the mix
to try and wrestle midfield control from the stubborn Spanish midfield.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 06: Mikel Merino #6 of Spain scores his team’s first goal against Diogo Costa #1 of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. Lars Baron/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Lars Baron / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Yet it was Luis de la Fuente’s substitutions that made the
difference. In the 84th minute, the Spain manager introduced Mikel Merino for
Dani Olmo, a change designed to reinforce the midfield.

With the referee signalling heavily towards extra time,
Spain launched one final attack in the 90th minute. Merino positioned himself
brilliantly inside the box to drill home the decider.

Spain will now advance to the quarter-finals, where they
await the winners of the match between the United States and Belgium.

Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday

Advertise on NOP NIGERIA to reach thousands of our daily users