ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, and Spain beat Portugal 1-0 to end the World Cup career of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Merino had just been knocked down, and a foul was called. While a Portugal player argued, Merino played the ball back in, ran toward the goal and put a shot past goalkeeper Diogo Costa after taking a pass from Ferran Torres. Spain advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning its only World Cup title in 2010 in South Africa. Spain will play Belgium on Friday in Inglewood, California.
Late Goals Spends Spain To Quarterfinals
July 7, 2026 4:26 am