Spain Reach Quarter-Finals with Last-Minute Winner Against Portugal

Darwin, 07 July: Spain secured a place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals by defeating Portugal 1-0 in a high-voltage Round of 16 clash.

Despite relentless attacks from both sides, neither team could find the breakthrough for most of the match. It was substitute Mikel Merino who emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic late winner to seal victory for Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Played in Dallas, United States, the thrilling encounter featured end-to-end action throughout, but Spain’s attacking approach ultimately proved decisive.

Both European powerhouses started the game on the front foot. Spain came close in the 9th minute when Álex Baena found Dani Olmo, who laid the ball off for the in-form Mikel Oyarzabal. However, with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat, Oyarzabal sent his effort wide of the post.

Spain continued to threaten in the 17th minute, but Costa produced two outstanding saves, first denying Lamine Yamal’s curling effort before stopping another powerful strike from Baena.

Portugal also created several promising opportunities in the first half. In the 41st minute, Nuno Mendes unleashed a fierce shot that deflected off Pedro Porro and struck the crossbar, sparing Spain from conceding. As a result, the first half ended goalless.

Both teams resumed the second half in search of the opening goal. Portugal suffered a significant setback in the 56th minute when Mendes was forced off with an injury and was replaced by the experienced Nélson Semedo.

Late in the game, Spain coach De la Fuente made a tactical substitution, replacing Olmo with Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino—a decision that ultimately changed the course of the match.

Just as the match entered stoppage time, Spain finally broke the deadlock in the 91st minute. Following a quickly taken free-kick, Fabián Ruiz found Ferran Torres, whose perfectly weighted pass split the Portuguese defence and sent Merino through one-on-one with Costa. The midfielder kept his composure and slotted the ball into the net to give Spain a 1-0 lead.

Portugal pushed for an equaliser in the remaining minutes but failed to break down Spain’s disciplined defence. As a result, Spain knocked Cristiano Ronaldo’s side out of the tournament and booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.