World Cup 2026: Spain edge Portugal with late Merino goal to reach quarter-finals

Spain end Ronaldo’s World Cup career

Ronaldo’s career on football’s biggest stage is over.

Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach, Reuters

Full time! Spain are through!

Bruno Fernandes sends a last free-kick into the box and Joao Neves throws himself at it, but it’s wide.

That’s it! Spain have qualified!

Silva so close!

Silva heads just over the bar! So close!

Surely that was the last chance.

Portugal pour forward

The Selecao pour forward, but it’s too little, too late.

Renato Veiga is booked for a rash challenge on Yamal.

Six minutes of injury time

Two gone already, four left.

Merino with the opener! Portugal 0-1 Spain!

The newcomer finds the opener in the first minute of injury time!

Silva booked

Something happens, a booking!

It’s a yellow card for the sub Bernardo Silva, who shoves aside fellow sub Mikel Merino.

A bunch of changes

Pedro Neto and Vitinha are replaced by Bernardo Silva and Francisco Conceicao.

Spain swap Pedri for Fabian Ruiz.

Dias blocks Olmo shot

Olmo creates space for a shot at goal but Ruben Dias is in the way.

Spain have upped the tempo a little.

Bruno Fernandes finds the side netting

The Manchester United forward answers at the other end, lashing a shot into the side netting.

Yamal’s free-kick tipped over the bar

Yamal wins a free-kick out on the right. He goes for goal but Costa tips it over the bar.

Hydration break

The referee has had enough and sends the players for a drink and a chat with the coach.

Spain looking a little clueless

A lot of sterile possession for La Roja, and some poor finishing too.

Baena eventually attempts a shot on goal but it’s weak and no trouble for Costa.

Ronaldo with a half-chance

Joao Felix, who has been excellent, crosses into the box but it’s a touch long and all Ronaldo can do is pass it to the keeper.

Huge blow to Portugal!

Oh no! Just as I was writing that, Nuno Mendes falls to the ground.

He must’ve stretched something because he walks off distraught, his match over.

Nelson Semedo comes on, with the minor task of keeping a certain 18-year-old in check.

Mendes shuts out Yamal

The Portugal left-back has been brilliant so far. Yamal tries to dance his way around him but Mendes is not having it.

Portugal looking lively

Portugal showing more intent, but their crosses into the Spain area have been wayward.

Or perhaps it’s Ronaldo who’s just not quick enough anymore to catch those balls.

Second half under way

Play resumes with the teams unchanged.

Half-time reading

The Trump/Infantino/Balogun controversy is far from over.