Merino’s last goal against Portugal puts Spain in the quarterfinals

Mikel Merino scored a late goal to send Spain past Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday and into the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since they won it all in 2010, ESPN reports.

As the game appeared to be heading into overtime in Arlington, Texas, a pass from Ferran Torres skipped past Merino in the penalty area and past Diogo Costa to give Spain the big goal in a 1-0 victory over its Iberian neighbors.

Merino had just been knocked down and a foul was called. While a Portugal player was arguing, Merino recovered the ball, ran towards the goal and beat goalkeeper Costa after receiving a pass from Torres.

There were some nervy moments down the stretch for Luis de la Fuente’s side as Portugal twice came close to leveling the score, but Spain held on to their lead in a match that could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last in a Portugal shirt.

Spain now awaits the winner of Monday’s match between Belgium and the United States to see who it will face in the quarterfinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Ronaldo, who was visibly upset after the final whistle, was attempting to lead Portugal to the quarterfinals in a second consecutive tournament for the first time after reaching that stage at Euro 2024. Instead, the legendary striker’s career on soccer’s biggest stage is over for the all-time leader in international goals.