2026 World Cup/ Merino’s late strike sends Spain past Portugal into Quarter-Finals
Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s hero with a 91st-minute winner against Portugal. The substitute’s strike secured a 1-0 victory and propelled La Roja into the World Cup quarter-finals.
The decisive moment arrived in added time. Ferran Torres slipped a through ball behind Portugal’s defense. Merino controlled the pass inside the penalty area. His low finish beat charging goalkeeper Diogo Costa inside the left post.
The defense of Spain remains impenetrable. The team has not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament.
The World Cup journey of Ronaldo ends. The 41-year-old made his sixth World Cup appearance. He scored three goals in this tournament. However, he never reached a final. Portugal’s best showing came in 2006 with a semi-final run.
Portugal showed late signs of life. Bernardo Silva headed narrowly over the bar six minutes into added time. But Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon made only two saves. The Portuguese attack rarely threatened.
Spain dominated the early exchanges. Mikel Oyarzabal missed wide in the ninth minute. Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena forced Costa into a double save shortly after.
Portugal grew into the match. Ronaldo forced a comfortable save from Simon in the 37th minute. Nuno Mendes’ powerful strike deflected onto the crossbar four minutes later.
Spain will face either the USA or Belgium in the last eight. The team continues its impressive run. Merino’s goal, his first of the tournament, proved decisive. The Spaniards now stand four wins from World Cup glory.
