Mikel Merino's late goal sends Spain past Portugal into quarterfinals

Mikel Merino's 91st-minute goal gave Spain a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16, ending Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup campaign and booking a quarterfinal clash with the winner of USA vs Belgium.

Match action

Spain started brightly, with Mikel Oyarzabal missing a one-on-one and Diogo Costa making a double save from Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena. Nuno Mendes hit the crossbar for Portugal before halftime. The game was tightly contested until Luis de la Fuente's substitutions changed the outcome: Ferran Torres, Fabián Ruiz, and Merino entered in the second half. In the 91st minute, Ferran Torres threaded a pass to Merino, who slotted past Diogo Costa Source: ABC.

Records and reactions

• Unai Simón extended his World Cup clean-sheet record to 609 minutes, surpassing Walter Zenga's previous mark Source: El Nacional.
• Cristiano Ronaldo exited his sixth World Cup without a title; he became the first player to score in six editions Source: Infobae.
• Merino celebrated by shouting "Viva San Fermín!" in tribute to his hometown festival Source: COPE.
• Portugal defender Ruben Dias left a press conference after a lack of questions and interference from another interview Source: Infobae.

Spain will face the USA–Belgium winner on July 10 in Los Angeles.