Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the World Cup ended in disappointment after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.
Spain controlled much of the first half and created the better chances. Mikel Oyarzabal fired wide early on, while Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced crucial saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena.
Portugal came closest to breaking the deadlock when Nuno Mendes saw his effort deflected onto the crossbar, leaving the match goalless at half-time.
Merino settles tense Iberian clash
The second half remained evenly contested, with Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes unable to make a decisive impact despite several attempts from distance.
As extra time appeared inevitable, Spain found the breakthrough in the 91st minute. Rodri started the move before Ferran Torres slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Merino, who calmly fired a low shot beyond Costa to send Spain into the quarter-finals.
Following the defeat, Ronaldo confirmed that the match marked the end of his World Cup career but said he would take time before deciding on his future.
“It was my last World Cup, yes, but I’ll have time to think about the rest, to be with my family, not make rash decisions, and just get on with life,” he said.
The Portugal captain described football as a game of victories and defeats, adding that players must move forward regardless of the outcome.
Ronaldo also said he would leave the World Cup “with a clear conscience”, highlighting Portugal’s UEFA Euro 2016 triumph as the greatest achievement of his international career.
“The biggest title I won with the national team was in 2016, which for me is just as significant as a World Cup. Tomorrow is a new day, and life goes on,” he said.
Belgium overpower USA to set up Spain showdown
Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals with a convincing 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States.
Charles De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute after Nicolas Raskin capitalised on a poor clearance before delivering a low cross for an easy finish.
The USA equalised in the 31st minute through Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick, but Belgium restored their lead just 56 seconds later when De Ketelaere headed home Leandro Trossard’s cross.
Belgium extended their advantage in the 57th minute after goalkeeper Matt Freese lost possession outside the penalty area. De Ketelaere intercepted the ball and squared it to Hans Vanaken, whose effort eventually found the net following a failed clearance by Tim Ream.
Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring in stoppage time, punishing another defensive error before calmly finishing with his right foot to seal Belgium’s place in the last eight, where they will face Spain.
