Merino strikes at the death for Spain to send Portugal and Ronaldo limping out

Mikel Merino struck deep into injury time to send Spain through to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal in their last-16 World Cup tie in Dallas. Running onto a through-ball from Ferran Torres, Merino displayed impressive composure to roll the winner calmly past Diogo Costa after a scrappy match that had largely lacked quality.

Merino's celebration saw him run around the corner flag, repeating the gesture he had performed at the Euros two years ago and echoing his father's celebration after scoring for Osasuna in Stuttgart in 1991. The midfielder had overcome an indecipherable injury that brought doubts despite his manager Luis de la Fuente's promise to wait for him. Coming on as a substitute with just six minutes remaining, he proved decisive.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, the defeat marked the end of his World Cup dream. At age 41, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner announced before the match that this would be his final World Cup, stating "Let this be my last World Cup it is my last World Cup and I hope tomorrow won't be my last match." However, his performance proved ineffective. The 41-year-old appeared in all five of Portugal's matches, scoring three goals, yet his influence remained questionable throughout.

Wayne Rooney, who spent six years alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, highlighted the contrast with Lionel Messi's impact on Argentina. "The Argentinian lads seem like they're all there for Messi. They're all behind him," Rooney observed. "I don't get that vibe from the Portuguese players."

Manager Roberto Martinez faced intense criticism for continuing to field the aging striker despite concerns over his pressing ability and overall contribution. After the match, Spain's midfielder Rodri issued a formal apology to former Manchester City team-mate Bernardo Silva following a heated on-field altercation that had marred the victory.