Spain qualified for the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Portugal with a narrow 1-0 in a round of 16 clash played in Arlington, Texas. Thus, the team put an end to Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of winning the world title.
The decisive moment of the match came in the first minute of stoppage time, when substitute Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the match.
The Spaniards started actively and in the 3rd minute Mikel Oyarzabal was close to scoring, but Diogo Costa reacted excellently. A little later Joao Cancelo tried to respond, but his shot flew over the goal. In the next attack, Dani Olmo set Oyarzabal up alone against the goalkeeper, but the striker failed to score.
In the 12th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo shot from a small angle, but Unai Simon cleared for a corner. Four minutes later, Diogo Costa demonstrated his class, saving consecutive shots from Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena. Subsequently, Pedro Porro also missed a good opportunity.
In the 31st minute, Costa was again up to the task after a cross from Pedri, and Olmo's header went out. In the 37th minute, Ronaldo sent an attractive shot, but Simon caught it securely. Shortly after, Nuno Mendes was close to a goal, but the ball deflected off the crossbar after an intervention by Porro. Before the break, Rodri also failed to take advantage of a chance in front of the Portuguese goal.
The second half began with a problem for the Portuguese, after Nuno Mendes suffered an injury and was forced to be replaced by Nelson Semedo.
In the 59th minute, Ronaldo tried to threaten the goal, but his shot went straight into Simon's hands. Spain replied with an inaccurate attempt from Pedri. In the 73rd minute, Yamal shot from a free kick, but did not trouble Costa, and a little later Bruno Fernandes failed to connect well with the ball on a volley.
In the 80th minute, the Spaniards had claims for a penalty for handball by Renato Veiga, but none was awarded.
The resolution came at the very end. In the first minute of stoppage time, Ferran Torres set Mikel Merino up alone against the goalkeeper, and the midfielder scored with a powerful shot for 1-0.
Portugal tried to react lightning fast, but Bernardo Silva's header went centimeters over the crossbar.