Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup career ended in heartbreak as Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 clash on Monday.
The narrow victory secured Spain’s place in the quarter-finals and eliminated Portugal after a fiercely contested Iberian derby decided in stoppage time.
Both teams began cautiously, prioritising defensive discipline over attacking adventure during a first half that produced few clear-cut opportunities.
Spain enjoyed greater possession and threatened through Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal, but goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced several important saves.
Portugal relied on quick counter-attacks, with Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix and Pedro Neto attempting to exploit spaces behind Spain’s defence.
Ronaldo tested Unai Simón from distance, while Pedro Neto forced Spain’s goalkeeper into another comfortable save as neither side found a breakthrough.
After the interval, the contest became increasingly physical as both managers introduced fresh legs searching for the decisive moment.
Nuno Mendes came closest for Portugal when his powerful effort struck the crossbar after taking a slight deflection, leaving Spanish supporters relieved.
Spain responded by introducing Mikel Merino and Ferran Torres to inject fresh energy into their attack.
The substitutions proved decisive deep into added time as Torres reacted quickly from a cleverly taken free-kick before finding Merino inside the penalty area.
Merino calmly swept his finish beyond Costa in the 91st minute to spark wild celebrations among Spain’s players and supporters.
Portugal threw everyone forward during the remaining minutes, desperately searching for an equaliser to force extra time.
Bernardo Silva squandered Portugal’s best late opportunity, heading narrowly wide before Ronaldo’s final attempt failed to trouble Spain’s resilient defence.
Spain held firm through the closing moments as referee Anthony Taylor signalled full time, confirming Portugal’s elimination from the tournament.
The result also marked Ronaldo’s final FIFA World Cup appearance after the 41-year-old confirmed before the match that this tournament would be his last.
“I hope tomorrow won’t be my last match,” Ronaldo had said before kick-off after announcing the tournament would be his final World Cup.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his players’ composure after surviving Portugal’s determined resistance.
“We remained patient and believed the opportunity would come,” he said after Spain booked their place in the last eight.
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez admitted his side were punished for one costly lapse in spite of an otherwise disciplined defensive display.
“We competed well, but at this level one moment decides everything,” Martínez said.
Spain will now face the winners of the United States against Belgium Round of 16 encounter for a place in the semi-finals. (NAN)
