Spain eliminated Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup Round of 16 on Monday, with substitute midfielder Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time. This likely marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
Game Details
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.
After a first half in which Spain probably should have scored, a key turning point occurred early in the second half when star left-back Nuno Mendes went down with a muscle injury. 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: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
