Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are out of the World Cup after a 1-0 loss to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday. The decisive goal was scored by substitute midfielder Mikel Merino in stoppage time.
Game Recap
The game was a tight, cautious affair with Spain dominating possession and Portugal relying on transition moments. Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez made a controversial lineup change, bringing in Joao Felix at left wing for Rafael Leao.
Star left-back Nuno Mendes went down with a muscle injury early in the second half, which amplified the risk for Portugal. Merino found the breakthrough in stoppage time, ghosting behind Portugal’s defense and burying the ball past Diogo Costa.
Ronaldo ended the game with just 19 touches and three shots, two of which were on target but didn’t threaten goalie Unai Simon enough. Spain will now meet either the USA or Belgium in the quarterfinals.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
