Mikel Merino scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Spain edged rivals Portugal 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 clash in Dallas, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream.

The Real Sociedad midfielder, who had come off the bench just minutes earlier, struck in the first minute of added time after a quick free-kick routine. Ferran Torres threaded a precise through ball to Merino, who finished coolly past Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

The victory sends Spain through to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the United States vs Belgium match at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Friday.

For Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in what he has confirmed will be his final World Cup, the defeat brings a heartbreaking end to his tournament journey. The 41-year-old had declared before the match: “I like playing against Spain, my record is quite good. I have this feeling we are going to win.” But it was not to be.

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Spain’s defence, which had not conceded a goal in the tournament before this match, remained impenetrable throughout. La Roja are now unbeaten in 35 matches.

Spain started brightly and should have taken the lead in the 8th minute. Dani Olmo played a superb through ball to Mikel Oyarzabal, who found himself clean through on goal, but the Real Sociedad striker dragged his shot wide.

Portugal responded through Nuno Mendes, whose deflected shot from the edge of the box hit the crossbar in the first half. Portugal’s best move of the half saw Joao Felix force a save from Unai Simon, with Ronaldo stabbing at the rebound before the Spanish goalkeeper recovered to claim the ball.

Spain had their own opportunities. Diogo Costa made a brilliant double save in the 16th minute, first denying Lamine Yamal’s curling shot and then acrobatically tipping Alex Baena’s follow-up effort around the post. Dani Olmo also headed wide from close range in the 31st minute.

The first half ended goalless, with Spain enjoying the better of the chances but unable to break through a resolute Portuguese defence.

The second half took a while to get going, with both coaches making changes in response to the game’s rhythm. Spain introduced Mikel Merino and Fabian Ruiz in the 85th minute, replacing Dani Olmo and Pedri.

The breakthrough came in the 91st minute. Merino won a free kick, took it quickly himself, and Ferran Torres threaded the ball back through the middle of the field. Merino, who had been on the pitch for just minutes, broke through the defence and finished accurately to beat Diogo Costa.

The goal was reminiscent of Merino’s stoppage-time winner for Spain against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Once again, the midfielder appeared when it mattered most.

Portugal pushed forward in the final minutes, with a chance falling to substitute Bernardo Silva in the 96th minute, but his header went wide. Spain held on to secure the victory.