Spain advances to World Cup quarterfinals after defeating Portugal 1–0 in Round of 16
Mikel Merino scored in stoppage time to end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career, sending La Roja through to face the U.S. or Belgium on Friday.
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Spain advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals Monday with a 1–0 victory over Portugal, ending the World Cup career of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mikel Merino scored in the 91st minute — the first minute of second-half stoppage time — after being fouled at midfield. While a Portugal player argued the call, Merino played the ball back in, sprinted toward goal, and finished easily after receiving a pass from Ferran Torres past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo, trying to lead Portugal to the quarterfinals for a second consecutive tournament, was unable to get his team through. The 41-year-old striker scored three goals in this tournament but found few chances against Spain's stingy defense. Unai Simón, Spain's goalkeeper, extended his World Cup record to 609 minutes without conceding a goal.
Spain has now recorded six straight shutouts at the World Cup, becoming the first team to achieve that feat. La Roja will face either the United States or Belgium in the quarterfinals on Friday in Inglewood, California.
Merino, an Arsenal midfielder, entered the match only in the 85th minute despite being a crucial player for club and country. He had been doubtful for Spain's squad due to injuries sustained during the Premier League season — injuries that also affected his availability during the spring when Arsenal won its first Premier League title in more than 20 years.
