Spain beat Portugal 1-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

Cristiano Ronaldo had already announced that this would be his final FIFA World Cup. However, his dream of lifting the trophy came to an end as Portugal‍‍`s campaign was halted in the Round of 16. Spain secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory to eliminate Portugal and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the closing moments of the match, ending Portugal‍‍`s World Cup journey and bringing Ronaldo‍‍`s final appearance on football‍‍`s biggest stage to a disappointing conclusion.

Spain started brightly and looked the more dangerous side from the opening whistle. In the eighth minute, Dani Olmo‍‍`s perfectly weighted through ball sent Mikel Oyarzabal clear on goal, but the forward failed to hit the target.

Portugal responded four minutes later. Ronaldo found space on the right side of the penalty area and struck a powerful effort, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón made a comfortable save.

Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa then produced a brilliant double save in the 16th minute. He first denied Lamine Yamal before reacting quickly to keep out Álex Baena‍‍`s follow-up effort.

Portugal came close again before halftime when João Félix set up Ronaldo for an acrobatic bicycle kick. With the goal nearly unguarded, Ronaldo‍‍`s effort looked destined for the net, but Simón produced an outstanding save to keep the scores level heading into the break.

Portugal increased the pressure after the restart. Nuno Mendes unleashed a powerful long-range strike that crashed against the crossbar. However, the full-back was forced off with an injury around the 55th minute, dealing a significant blow to Portugal‍‍`s hopes.

Spain threatened again in the 72nd minute when Yamal tested Costa with a free kick from the right side of the box, but the Portuguese goalkeeper once again made an excellent save.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 90th minute. Following a free-kick routine, Ferran Torres squared the ball into the box, and Merino fired a low, powerful finish into the net to give Spain a dramatic late lead.

Portugal had one final chance to force extra time during stoppage time, but Bernardo Silva‍‍`s header sailed over the crossbar, ending any hopes of a comeback.

Spain held on to claim a 1-0 victory and advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, while Portugal bowed out in the Round of 16, bringing Ronaldo‍‍`s final World Cup campaign to an emotional end.