Ronaldo's World Cup journey ends after, late Merino strike

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By Mishael Emmanuel 


Mikel Merino emerged as Spain's hero, coming off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage-time winner as La Roja edged Portugal 1-0 in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash in Dallas.


With extra time looming, Merino latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from fellow substitute Ferran Torres and calmly slotted a low finish beyond Diogo Costa in the 91st minute to seal Spain's place in the quarter-finals.


The victory mirrors Spain's triumph over Portugal at the same stage of the 2010 World Cup and books a last-eight showdown with either co-hosts the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10.


The defeat also brought the curtain down on the World Cup career of Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old Portuguese captain had confirmed before the tournament that this would be his final appearance on football's biggest stage.


Spain made a bright start and should have taken the lead inside three minutes. Dani Olmo's incisive pass released Mikel Oyarzabal behind the Portugal defence, but the Real Sociedad forward dragged his effort wide of the target.


Goalkeeper Diogo Costa then kept Portugal in the contest with two superb saves in quick succession, denying Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena as Spain dominated the early exchanges.


Portugal responded strongly before the interval and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute. 


Nuno Mendes unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that took a slight deflection off Pedro Porro before crashing against the crossbar.


The second half was a tighter affair, with clear-cut chances at a premium. Roberto Martinez's side enjoyed more possession after the restart, but Ronaldo found himself increasingly isolated in attack as Spain's defence held firm.


Bruno Fernandes fired into the side-netting in the 76th minute, while Dani Olmo saw a goal-bound effort bravely blocked by Ruben Dias at the other end.


Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, Spain's substitutes combined to decisive effect. 


Torres threaded a superb pass into the path of Merino, who kept his composure to fire home the winner and send the 2010 champions into the quarter-finals, while Portugal bowed out and Ronaldo's illustrious World Cup career came to an emotional close.


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