Late Merino Strike Sends Spain into World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals
Mikel Merino fired a 90th-minute winner to lift Spain past Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. A precise through-ball from Ferran Torres set him free in the box, and he calmly slotted past Diogo Costa. Merino had been floored just before the move, but as Portuguese defenders argued, he played on and struck the decisive goal. Portugal pressed for an equaliser, yet Spain held firm to reach their first quarterfinal since lifting the trophy in 2010. The defeat could mark Cristiano Ronaldo’s final appearance in a Portugal shirt. Spain now await the victor of Belgium vs. United States for a quarterfinal clash at SoFi Stadium in California.
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