Mikel Merino scored a 91st-minute winner to eliminate Portugal and bring a definitive end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary World Cup career in Dallas
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in a dramatic Round of 16 match at Dallas Stadium on Monday, with Mikel Merino scoring a 91st-minute stoppage-time winner to shatter Portuguese hearts and bring an emotional end to 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary World Cup career.
For the majority of the match, both European giants cancelled each other out in a defensive stalemate. Spain dominated possession with 56 percent but struggled to break through Portugal’s organised lines, while Diogo Costa made five crucial saves to deny early efforts from Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.
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With extra time looming, Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente’s tactical changes paid off perfectly. Ferran Torres caught the Portuguese defence sleeping with a quick pass into the penalty area, allowing fellow substitute Merino to slip between the centre-backs and smash a low finish past Costa. Portugal threw everything forward in final stoppage time, and Bernardo Silva rose highest to connect with a desperate cross, but his powerful header drifted just over the top of the net.
Spain finished with 10 shots, four on target, while Portugal managed six shots, two on target. Spanish possession stood at 56 percent compared to Portugal’s 44 percent.
The victory gives Spain the upper hand in their direct knockout history following their previous 1-0 Round of 16 win over Portugal back in 2010. Spain now has two wins, one draw, and no losses against Portugal in World Cup history.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Spain advances to the quarter-finals to face either the United States or Belgium. For Ronaldo, the defeat marked the end of a World Cup career that spanned six tournaments and included ten goals.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on July 6, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
