In a rivalry clash during the North and Central America World Cup Round of 16, Spain defeated Portugal with a dramatic last-minute goal in second-half stoppage time to advance to the quarterfinals.
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo concluded his final World Cup journey in disappointment.
Spain launched an aggressive offensive from early in the first half but struggled with a lack of finishing.
In the 8th minute, a shot by Oyarzabal narrowly missed the goal, and 16 minutes later, consecutive shots by Yamal and Baena were blocked by a series of saves from goalkeeper Costa.
The match, which remained scoreless for over 90 minutes, was decided by a single strike from substitute Merino.
In second-half stoppage time, Merino brilliantly penetrated Portugal's defensive line and calmly converted a pass from Torres into the back of the net.
With this 1-0 victory secured by the dramatic goal, Spain narrowly confirmed its spot in the quarterfinals.
Portugal's superstar Ronaldo, who played the full match as a forward, failed to create decisive chances time and again, ending his final World Cup on a bitter note.
(Video Editing: Park Gi-deok)
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