Kha Y Tran Spain reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after beating Portugal 1-0 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash. Mikel Merino scored the only goal in stoppage time. As a result, Spain moved into the last eight. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup ended in disappointment.
The Iberian derby was close from start to finish. Both teams attacked well and defended with discipline. However, Spain stayed patient. Their late winner finally settled the contest.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwE1D_JQSQ8
Fast Start From Both Teams
Portugal and Spain both named strong starting lineups.
Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal’s attack. Bruno Fernandes, João Félix, and Pedro Neto played behind him. Meanwhile, Spain started with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.
From the opening whistle, the game moved at a high pace.
After only three minutes, Oyarzabal tested Diogo Costa with a long-range shot. However, the Portugal goalkeeper made a simple save. Soon after, João Cancelo answered for Portugal. He fired from distance, but his shot went over the bar.
Both teams pressed high up the pitch. Therefore, neither side had much time on the ball. As a result, the early minutes were open and exciting.
The match is very tense (Photo: Reuters).
Photo: Reuters.
Spain Waste an Early Chance
Spain almost scored in the eighth minute. Oyarzabal ran through on goal after a smart pass. He only had the goalkeeper to beat. However, his shot rolled just wide of the post. Portugal survived the scare.
Even so, Spain looked dangerous whenever they attacked. Portugal also created chances. Ronaldo found space several times, but Spain’s defense stayed organized.
As the half continued, both sides shared possession. Neither team could find the finishing touch.
Photo: AP.
Goalkeepers Keep the Score Level
The goalkeepers played a huge role in the first half. Diogo Costa made several important saves for Portugal. At the other end, Unai Simón also looked confident whenever Spain lost the ball.
Photo: Reuters.
Portugal nearly scored before halftime. Nuno Mendes hit a powerful shot that took a slight deflection before crashing against the crossbar. Spain escaped with a bit of luck.
Therefore, the teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.
Spain Take Control After the Break
Spain looked stronger in the second half. odri controlled the midfield with calm passing. Pedri and Dani Olmo also found more space between the lines. As a result, Spain enjoyed more possession.
Portugal defended well. Rúben Dias and his teammates blocked crosses and cleared dangerous balls. In addition, Vitinha worked hard in midfield to slow Spain’s attacks.
Although Spain controlled the ball, they still struggled to create clear chances. Extra time seemed likely.
Photo: Reuters
Merino Makes the Difference
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente made an important change late in the game. He brought on Mikel Merino in the 85th minute. The midfielder quickly added fresh energy.
Portugal also made attacking substitutions. Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, and Diogo Dalot all entered the match.
However, Spain’s changes proved more effective.
Photo: Reuters
Late Goal Sends Spain Through
Spain found the breakthrough in stoppage time. In the 90+1st minute, Ferran Torres slipped a perfect pass behind Portugal’s defense. Merino timed his run well. He stayed calm before firing a left-footed shot past Diogo Costa.
The goal sparked huge celebrations among the Spanish players and fans. After more than 90 minutes of hard work, Spain finally had the lead.
Photo: Reuters
Portugal Fall Short
Portugal pushed forward in the final minutes. They threw more players into attack. However, Spain defended well under pressure. Portugal’s best chance came in the 90+6th minute.
Bernardo Silva met a cross with a powerful header. Unfortunately, the effort missed the target. Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle.
Spain won 1-0 and secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Photo: Reuters
Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Ends in Heartbreak
The defeat marked an emotional night for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain worked hard throughout the game. However, Spain’s defense gave him very little space inside the penalty area.
Ronaldo leaves the World Cup without lifting the famous trophy. Even so, his international career remains one of the greatest in football history. He broke many records and inspired millions of fans around the world.
Although the ending was painful, his legacy is secure.
Spain Continue Their Title Push
Spain once again showed why they are among the favorites. The team stayed calm under pressure. They controlled possession and never stopped searching for the winning goal.
Rodri led the midfield brilliantly. Meanwhile, the substitutes made a real impact late in the game. Spain will now face the winner of the United States versus Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Portugal leaves the tournament with disappointment. However, they can still be proud of a strong campaign. Spain, meanwhile, moves one step closer to another World Cup title.
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Portugal Edge Croatia in Thrilling World Cup Clash
Spain Thrash Austria 3-0 in Stunning World Cup Win
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