Spain edges Portugal with late Merino goal to reach World Cup quarterfinals

Spain's deep squad proved decisive as they edged out Portugal 1-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals. The victory highlighted Spain's strength in depth, showcasing that solutions exist even when the starting lineup needs adjustments.

The match was a tense affair, with both Iberian rivals fielding highly qualified squads. Spain's win came thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino, who came off the bench to score the decisive strike. This victory sets Spain up to face the winner of the Belgium vs. United States match.

The game's dramatic conclusion saw Portugal pushing for an equalizer in stoppage time, with Bernardo Silva and João Neves narrowly missing the target. For Cristiano Ronaldo, the loss likely signifies the end of his record sixth World Cup appearance. The 41-year-old forward, who holds the record for scoring in six different World Cups, played his final match of the tournament, ending his campaign with 11 goals across all appearances.

Spain's triumph echoes their 2010 World Cup win, where they also eliminated Portugal in the round of 16. Coach De la Fuente's strategic substitutions in the second half, bringing on Ferran Torres and Merino, injected fresh energy into the attack. Merino's left-footed strike ultimately proved to be the difference, capping off a match defined by its late-stage drama and the emotional farewell for Ronaldo.