Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance ended in heartbreak as Portugal were knocked out by Spain in a tense last-16 showdown decided by a stoppage-time strike from Mikel Merino.
Mikel Merino’s last-gasp strike earned Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal in the World Cup last 16
Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears at full time after his World Cup dream was ended for good
The 41-year-old Portugal captain was left in tears at full-time after Spain claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at Dallas Stadium, ending his last realistic chance of lifting the one major trophy missing from his extraordinary career. Ronaldo later admitted this had been his final World Cup, saying he had given everything and would now take time to reflect with his family.
Ronaldo looked a shadow of his former self as he departed on the most miserable of lows
For Spain, the night was another statement of control and defensive discipline. Luis de la Fuente’s side have now reached the quarter-finals without conceding a goal in five matches at this tournament, extending a remarkable World Cup run of six consecutive clean sheets. Their back line, protected superbly by Rodri and marshalled by Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi, once again gave opponents almost nothing to work with.
It was by no means a classic at Dallas Stadium as the two teams played out a real chess match
Portugal had arrived with difficult questions around Roberto Martinez’s team selection. Goncalo Ramos had scored the dramatic winner against Croatia in the previous round, yet Martinez chose to keep faith with Ronaldo for what always looked likely to be his farewell on the biggest stage. The decision will now face scrutiny after the veteran forward struggled to influence the match, touching the ball only 19 times across 96 minutes.
Spain have kept a record six consecutive clean sheets at the World Cup after another shutout
Ronaldo did have a few moments, including an early effort straight at Unai Simon and a second-half chance that forced the Spain goalkeeper into action. But the explosiveness, timing and dominance that once made him football’s most feared finisher were no longer there. As Portugal chased the game late on, Ramos remained on the bench, adding to the frustration around Martinez’s approach.
Lamine Yamal did not have the most effective of games over on the right-hand side for Spain
Spain were not spectacular going forward, and Lamine Yamal endured a quieter night than expected, but their patience eventually paid off. In the first minute of stoppage time, Ferran Torres turned smartly and released Merino into the box. The Arsenal midfielder kept his composure, slipped the ball past Diogo Costa and sparked wild celebrations on the Spanish bench.
Portugal had no time to recover. The final whistle confirmed the end of their campaign and, with it, the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup story. He leaves the tournament without ever reaching a final, but with a legacy that still towers over Portuguese football.
Spain now march on to the quarter-finals, where they will face either the USA or Belgium. For Ronaldo and Portugal, however, this was a painful farewell written in tears, regret and one late Spanish dagger.
