Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup on Monday in the round of 16 as a 91st-minute goal from substitute Mikel Merino sent Spain into the last eight with a 1-0 win. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente brought on Ferran Torres and Merino as second-half subs, and that paid off late with Torres slipping a quick ball into the box where the Arsenal midfielder did the rest, finishing at the near post for the win.
With the result, Spain advance to the quarterfinals where they will play the winner of USMNT vs. Belgium on Friday.
The loss marks, likely, the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's participation at World Cups, as he said before the game that this would be his last one. Even though the next World Cup will be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain and Morocco, he's 41 years old and would be 45 by the time that tournament begins, with his effectiveness and fit in the current Portugal squad already questionable, having be taken off in the round of 32 against Croatia and failing to come close to threatening in this defeat.
90' THIS IS IT! Spain win 1-0 thanks to the late goal scored by Mikel Merino and will meet the winner of the game between United States and Belgium at the quarter finals. This is also the end of an era as Cristiano Ronaldo played his last ever World Cup match.
90' It's 1-0 Spain in the first minute of stoppage time with Mikel Merino! Incredible assist from Ferran Torres and Merino doesn't miss it... Only five minutes left in the stoppage time!
80' Spain are beginning to take control of the match. While they haven't created many clear-cut chances, Luis de la Fuente's side are dictating possession, pushing Portugal deeper, and asking more questions of the Portuguese defense.
73' Two more changes for Portugal as both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo are replaced by Rafael Leao and Diogo Dalot. Portugal needed them.
70' It wasn't the most exciting start of the second half as we're now in the middle of the hydration break. Both Spain and Portugal are trying to create chances but they seem scared to concede...
53' Looks like Nuno Mendes is injured: bad news for Portugal...
41' Portugal have come close to taking the lead! First, Cristiano Ronaldo produced an acrobatic bicycle kick that was saved by Simon. Then, moments later, Nuno Mendes fired a dangerous ball across goal that took a deflection off Pedro Porro and crashed against the crossbar. Spain survived here...
30' Diogo Costa is keeping Portugal in the game! Spain created another dangerous opportunity, but the Portuguese goalkeeper was alert once again, coming off his line to intercept the cross before Dani Olmo could only send the rebound wide.
16' Two key saves of Diogo Costa! He first he denied Lamine Yamal, then moments later he produced another outstanding save to keep out Baena. Two excellent stops from the Portuguese goalkeeper, who has been alert and composed when his team has needed him most.
15' It's been an entertaining start in Dallas, with both Spain and Portugal creating chances to break the deadlock. Cristiano Ronaldo has already tested the Spanish defense, but his effort drifted wide of the target.
8' Spain had a golden chance to take the lead! Oyarzabal found himself in on goal, but he dragged his shot wide of the post. I initially thought the flag was going to go up for offside, but no, he was onside. Big miss for Spain!
Everything is set. The players are on the field, the national anthems are complete, and we're only minutes from kickoff.
This could be a historic day, as Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Sunday that this will be the final World Cup of his remarkable career. If Portugal will lose today, it will also become his last ever match at the World Cup. During the pre-match press conference, Ronaldo said: "This will be my last World Cup, but let's hope tomorrow isn't my last game. The day will come, but I'll be honest -- whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano will leave with a clear conscience, not 100%, but 1000%. Because I've given everything in soccer. I don't need it, I have a good life, but it's about passion. I play football because I love it ... You have to enjoy every day. And I've scored three goals so far. I'm not doing too badly, right?"
Let's now take a look at the lineups:
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo; Vitinha, Joao Neves; Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo
Spain: Unai Simon; Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsi, Pedro Porro; Pedri, Rodri; Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Portugal's run comes to an end in Dallas. Even Ronaldo announcing that this will be his final World Cup won't be enough to push the team to a win over such a strong Spain side. Yamal will score his second goal fo the World Cup so far while Olmo also finds the back of the net as Spain gets the job done to advance to the quarterfinals. Pick: Portugal 1, Spain 2
Date: Monday, July 6 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium -- Dallas, Texas
TV: FOX (Eng), Telemundo (Spa) | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
Odds: Portugal +300; Draw +250; Spain -105
What a day of soccer we have ahead! The United States are back in action later today against Belgium, but first it's a blockbuster showdown as Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal take on reigning European champions Spain. I'm Francesco Porzio, and we've got plenty to get through, so let's not waste another second and dive right in.
