World Cup 2026: Substitute Merino scores late to send Portugal home

Mikel Merino came off the bench to bag the only goal of the match as Spain eliminated Portugal in a fierce last-16 encounter in Dallas at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Spain secured the all-important victory, although they failed to produce clear-cut opportunities in the second half, before Ferran Torres played in the Arsenal midfielder, who slotted low past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.

The European champions will next play co-hosts United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, 10 July.

Portugal’s defeat also ends Ronaldo’s World Cup ambitions, as the 41-year-old confirmed prior to the start of this World Cup that it would be his last.

Spain made their intentions clear as early as three minutes into the game, as Dani Olmo’s pass found Mikel Oyarzabal behind the Portugal defence, but the Real Sociedad striker shot wide.

Costa then produced some great goalkeeping heroics, pulling off a double save to deny Spanish duo Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena in quick succession as La Roja pushed for an opener. However, Portugal nearly made Spain pay for their profligacy.

Spain were saved by the woodwork in the 41st minute, as Nuno Mendes’ ferocious left-foot strike took a deflection off Pedro Porro and rattled the crossbar as the half ended goalless.

Roberto Martinez’s charges continued to grow into the game after the break, but failed to make it count.

Bruno Fernandes hit the side-netting in the 76th minute, but Olmo responded with a shot from inside the box, which was blocked by a brave Ruben Dias, before the two Spain substitutes combined to produce the match-winning moment.