Spain Secures Quarter-Final Spot with Late Goal Against Portugal
Spain Triumphs Over Portugal in World Cup Clash
Photo: @major_aoc/X
Arlington, July 7: Mikel Merino's goal in stoppage time propelled Spain to a 1-0 victory against Portugal at Dallas Stadium, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Luis De La Fuente’s squad is set to face the winner of the USA-Belgium match at Los Angeles Stadium.
The match concluded with Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the World Cup stage, as he confirmed before the game, “This will be my last World Cup.” The 41-year-old forward scored 11 goals in 27 appearances, achieving several records, including being the first player to score in six World Cups.
The game began with Spain displaying more offensive energy, with Oyarzabal's shot forcing a quick save from Diogo Costa within the first three minutes. Portugal quickly countered, as Cancelo's run led to a powerful shot that sailed over the goal.
Shortly after, Olmo assisted Oyarzabal, but the latter shot wide as Costa approached. The match was a back-and-forth affair, highlighted by Ronaldo's powerful attempt, which was only partially saved by Unai Simón.
In a frantic opening quarter, Spain capitalized on a swift attack, leading to two remarkable saves from Costa against shots from Lamal and Baena. Portugal managed to stabilize the game, with their best chance coming from Joao Felix's assist to Ronaldo, whose acrobatic effort was saved by Simón. This was followed by a shot from Nuno Mendes that struck the crossbar after a deflection from Pedro Porro.
The second half saw a balanced contest, but Portugal appeared more threatening, particularly with Pedro Neto's runs down the right. Despite Nuno Mendes' injury and substitution by Nélson Semedo, the Portuguese defense held firm against Spanish advances.
Tactical strategies became crucial in this tightly contested match, with Lamine Yamal forcing Costa into a corner save from a free kick.
Rafael Leao's introduction in the final 15 minutes injected energy into the Portuguese side, leading to a significant chance for Bruno Fernandes, whose shot ended up in the side netting.
As the match neared its conclusion, Mikel Merino broke through and scored past Costa. In the dying moments of extra time, Bernardo Silva had a chance to equalize with a header, but his attempt went just wide of the post.