Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Dream Ends as Mikel Merino Sends Spain to Quarter-finals

For Cristiano Ronaldo, the dream of a World Cup title has likely been shattered forever. Portugal, with the veteran star, lost the offensively-charged Round of 16 match against European champions Spain 1-0 (0-0) on Monday, missing out on a glorious farewell from the biggest stage in football. For the 41-year-old Ronaldo, his 27th World Cup appearance was likely his last.

Co-favorite Spain celebrated their first quarter-final appearance since their title win in 2010 in the Iberian derby in Dallas, thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino (90+1), who had just been substituted on. Spain's opponent in the last eight will be co-host USA or Belgium next Friday in Los Angeles (9:00 PM CEST).

The generational duel between Spain's young star Lamine Yamal (18) and Ronaldo, as well as the clash of midfield strategists Rodri and Vitinha, had dominated the headlines before the match. Portugal's Spanish coach Roberto Martinez spoke of a 'festival for football,' while Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente said of Yamal: 'He loves exactly these kinds of games.' Ronaldo declared combatively: 'We all try to realize the title dream.'

Both teams showcased their high technical level from the start. Skillful and confident on the ball, they sought solutions and registered the first shots. Spain's striker Mikel Oyarzabal first tried from distance (3rd minute), and then the 29-year-old carelessly missed an easy chance to take the lead (8th minute). Portugal did not hide in the entertaining opening phase and contributed to the spectacle: Joao Cancelo (7th minute) and Ronaldo (12th minute) fired the first warning shots.

A Quickly Taken Free-kick Made the Difference

Even after the turbulent start, the pace remained high. Spain advanced to the penalty area, and Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa made an outstanding save on a double chance for Yamal and Alex Baena (16th minute). The FC Porto goalkeeper quickly parried Pedri's tricky cross from midfield with his foot (31st minute).

On the other side, Unai Simón was reliable as usual. The Basque goalkeeper, who had kept a clean sheet in the first four games, showed strong reflexes against Joao Felix and Ronaldo (37th minute). Simón was fortunate with Nuno Mendes' shot when Pedro Porro deflected the ball onto the crossbar (41st minute). Spain offered little offensively until halftime. Yamal was shut down on the right wing.

Portugal came out of the locker room with more momentum and frequently pushed into the final third, but their actions lacked conviction. The rhythm of the game was somewhat lost due to injury stoppages. Spain took a long time to increase the tempo but then became dangerous. Yamal tested Costa with a free-kick (73rd minute). In the 85th minute, Merino came on – and scored after a quickly taken free-kick.