Ronaldo's 'Last Dance' Ends as Portugal Eliminated from World Cup

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In a rivalry match in the Round of 16 of the North and Central American World Cup, Spain defeated Portugal to advance to the quarterfinals, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time goal. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has concluded his final World Cup journey in disappointment.

Bae Jeonghun reports.

[Reporter]

Spain launched a fierce offensive from the early stages of the first half but struggled with a lack of finishing touch.

In the 8th minute, a decisive shot by Oyarzabal narrowly missed the goal, and 16 minutes later, consecutive attempts by Yamal and Baena were denied 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 stoppage time of the second half, he calmly connected with a precise pass from Torres to find the back of the net.

With Merino's dramatic goal, Spain secured a 1-0 victory and a hard-fought spot in the quarterfinals.

Ronaldo, who played the full match but failed to create a decisive opportunity, teared up as he concluded his final World Cup.

[Ronaldo/Portugal National Team Forward: It is naturally sad to leave the World Cup in this manner. However, I feel at peace because I gave everything and did my best. This is football, and this is the life of a football player.]

Belgium defeated the host nation, the United States, to advance to the quarterfinals.

De Ketelaere, who had not scored in the previous three matches, soared to the occasion.

He scored the opening goal in the 9th minute after receiving an assist from Raskin. When the United States leveled the score with a goal by Tillman in the 31st minute, De Ketelaere responded two minutes later by accurately heading in a cross from Trossard to regain the lead for his team. In the 12th minute of the second half, he forced a mistake from the goalkeeper, helping Vanaken score the clinching goal.

With an additional goal from Lukaku, Belgium secured a 4-1 victory.

U.S. forward Balogun, who started the match against Belgium after U.S. President Trump personally intervened to request a review of his red card suspension, failed to record an attacking point and could not prevent his team's defeat.

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