Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Portugal 1-0 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash on Monday.
CDA News Nigeria reports that substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the first minute of stoppage time after fellow substitute Ferran Torres provided the assist, sealing victory for the European champions before a crowd of 70,649 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The closely contested encounter appeared destined for extra time until Merino’s late strike broke Portugal’s resistance. Spain, one of the tournament favourites, also maintained their impressive defensive record, extending their run without conceding a goal.
The defeat marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career after the 41-year-old confirmed before the match that the tournament would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday in Los Angeles as they continue their quest for a second FIFA World Cup title after their historic triumph in 2010.
Before kick-off, both teams observed a solemn tribute as a black-and-white image of the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota was displayed on the stadium’s giant screen.
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