Spain Secures Dramatic Last-Minute Win, Ronaldo Left in Tears

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Spain, the Invincible Armada, has advanced to the quarterfinals after a dramatic winning goal in stoppage time against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, unable to find the back of the net, left his final World Cup stage in tears.

Reporter Pyeon Gwanghyeon has the story.

[Reporter]

The match between the Iberian rivals drew significant attention for the clash between Portugal's 41-year-old veteran Ronaldo and Spain's 18-year-old prodigy Yamal. Both teams struggled to find the finish despite creating decisive opportunities.

In the 12th minute of the first half, Ronaldo's powerful shot from inside the box was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper. In the 37th minute, after Felix's header was parried by the keeper, Ronaldo instinctively attempted a right-footed follow-up, but the goalkeeper dove to make the save, leaving Ronaldo frustrated.

Yamal also threatened the Portuguese goal with a left-footed curling shot in the 16th minute and a sharp free kick in the 28th minute of the second half, but both were denied by goalkeeper Costa's impressive saves.

With the goal drought continuing despite intense back-and-forth action and extra time looming, Spain finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time.

Substitute Torres delivered a precise through-ball between the defender's legs, and Merino, rushing toward the goal, calmly finished with his left foot to score the winner.

Portugal missed two decisive headers in the final moments, allowing Spain to secure a 1-0 victory and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years.

Ronaldo, who ultimately failed to achieve his dream of winning the World Cup, soaked his final World Cup stage with tears.

[Cristiano Ronaldo / Portugal National Football Team Forward: I have brought three titles to Portugal, including the Euros. Before I arrived, there were no titles. I gave everything I had, so I leave with my head held high.]

Spain, extending its unbeaten streak to 35 consecutive official matches, will face Belgium—which defeated the United States—on July 11 for a spot in the semifinals.

(Video Editing: Jang Hyun-ki)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.