ARLINGTON, TEXAS / MENA Newswire / – Spain reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Portugal on Monday, as Mikel Merino scored in the 91st minute at Dallas Stadium. The substitute took a pass from Ferran Torres and finished low past Diogo Costa. Spain advanced after a tight Iberian derby that ended Portugal’s campaign.
Spain advanced to the World Cup last eight after a tense knockout win over Portugal. (Credit – FIFA)
Spain had more of the ball and more of the chances. The 2010 champions finished with 55 percent possession and completed 467 passes, while Portugal completed 357. Spain also led 15-10 in shots, 6-2 in shots on target and 7-3 in corners. The expected goals count also favored Spain, 1.77 to 0.60.
Portugal tested Unai Simon in the first half through Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes, but Spain created the clearer openings. Diogo Costa stopped efforts from Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena. Portugal did not record a shot on target in the second half, while Spain kept pressing until Merino gave the match its only goal.
Spain control decides derby
The result sent Spain into the last eight and kept its clean sheet run intact. Spain became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to keep six straight clean sheets. Its defense has now gone more than 10 hours without conceding in the tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s side also gained another decisive contribution from its bench.
Merino replaced Dani Olmo in the closing stages and scored six minutes later. Torres, also a substitute, helped create the winner after collecting Rodri’s pass. The goal marked Spain’s second stoppage-time winner in World Cup history. It also gave Spain its 11th 1-0 victory at the tournament, behind only Germany and Brazil.
Ronaldo legacy closes without trophy
Ronaldo’s sixth and final World Cup ended in the round of 16. He closed his tournament career with 27 appearances, 11 goals and two assists. His deepest run came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals and finished fourth. Portugal never reached a World Cup final during his six tournament appearances.
Ronaldo did score his first World Cup knockout goal in the previous round against Croatia, converting a penalty. His wider knockout record ended at one goal and no assists in 10 appearances. Compiled tournament data lists him with 26 key passes and 36 successful dribbles across World Cups. He leaves without the World Cup, the top international prize in men’s football.