Shafaqna Pakistan: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 on Monday to secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career to an end.
The reigning European champions advanced to the last eight, where they will face Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles.
Played before a crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys, the eagerly anticipated encounter largely failed to live up to expectations, with both sides struggling to create clear chances.
Just as extra time appeared inevitable, substitute Ferran Torres set up fellow replacement Merino, who scored in the opening minute of added time to seal Spain’s dramatic victory.
It meant a sour final World Cup match for the 41-year-old Ronaldo, who looked like he was choking back tears at the end.
Spain captain Rodri praised the “maturity” of his side.
“If anyone thinks that we will move forward without suffering, they are mistaken,” he said.
“We knew we had to wait for the right moment and it came, even if they also had chances to win the game,” added the Manchester City midfielder.
Heaping praise on match-winner Merino, who had only been on the pitch six minutes, Rodri said: “He’s a sensational player… one that I love.”
Ronaldo, now playing in Saudi Arabia, confirmed on the eve of the encounter that this would be his last dance on football’s biggest stage.
One of the greatest players of all time has refused to say when he will end his international career and was ineffective here.
The neighbours came into the contest both unbeaten, but while Portugal had not been entirely convincing, Spain had not even conceded a goal in the tournament.
One of the pre-tournament favourites, they still haven’t.
For all their pedigree, talent and history, Spain have only lifted the World Cup once, in 2010, while Portugal’s best was third place in 1966.
In Ronaldo and Spain’s 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, the last-16 showdown was touted as a showcase of two extraordinary talents at opposite ends of their careers.
In truth neither lived up to expectations on the day.
There was a sombre moment shortly before kick-off when a black-and-white image of the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota flashed up on the giant screen that looms over the field.
Ronaldo cheered, jeered
Spain should have been ahead with less than 10 minutes gone when Dani Olmo played in Mikel Oyarzabal but with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat, he somehow pulled it well wide.
Portugal skipper Ronaldo had his first chance to add to his three goals in North America, stinging the palms of goalkeeper Unai Simon from a tight angle.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain cranked up the pressure, Yamal and Alex Baena testing Costa twice in quick succession, the second a wonderful fingertip save.
Ronaldo — jeered and cheered in equal measure — was a marginal presence in the central attacking role he now occupies in the twilight of his career.
Portugal ended the half on top and Roberto Martinez’s side were inches from taking the lead when Spain full-back Pedro Porro stuck out his head and directed a Nuno Mendes shot onto his own crossbar.
source: Geo News
