{"id":12566,"date":"2026-07-08T09:23:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T06:23:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/?p=12566"},"modified":"2026-07-08T09:23:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T06:23:38","slug":"spain-vs-portugal-result-merinos-late-strike-sends-spain-through","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/spain-vs-portugal-result-merinos-late-strike-sends-spain-through\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain vs Portugal Result: Merino&#8217;s Late Strike Sends Spain Through"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain kept their <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fifa.com\/en\/tournaments\/mens\/worldcup\/canadamexicousa2026\">FIFA World Cup 2026<\/a><\/strong> dream alive in dramatic fashion after defeating Portugal 1-0 in an unforgettable Round of 16 clash. Just when extra time looked inevitable, substitute <strong>Mikel Merino<\/strong> struck in the <strong>90+1st minute<\/strong>, breaking Portuguese hearts and sending La Roja into the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Portugal, it was a heartbreaking exit that could mark the end of an era. The defeat may also represent <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo&#8217;s final FIFA World Cup appearance<\/strong>, ending one of football&#8217;s greatest international careers in painful fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Match Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Result:<\/strong> Spain 1-0 Portugal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Goalscorer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mikel Merino (90+1&#8242;)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain showed incredible patience throughout the contest, controlling possession for long periods while Portugal looked to counter through Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Le\u00e3o.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both sides created opportunities but neither goalkeeper was seriously troubled for much of the encounter. Spain dominated the ball while Portugal remained disciplined defensively, forcing the game into a tense final few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, Spain produced one decisive moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Merino Delivers When Spain Needed Him Most<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deep into stoppage time, Spain launched one final attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dangerous cross into the penalty area found <strong>Mikel Merino<\/strong>, who timed his run perfectly before guiding the ball beyond the Portuguese goalkeeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish players and fans while Portugal&#8217;s players collapsed onto the turf in disbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Merino&#8217;s winner instantly became one of the biggest moments of the World Cup knockout stage and secured Spain&#8217;s place among the tournament&#8217;s final eight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portugal Fall Short Again<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portugal entered the tournament with high expectations and one of the strongest squads in the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, throughout the knockout match they struggled to create enough clear-cut chances despite boasting attacking stars across the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cristiano Ronaldo was often isolated in attack and received little quality service inside the penalty area. Spain&#8217;s defence successfully limited his influence, forcing the Portuguese captain to drop deep in search of possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite Ronaldo&#8217;s determination and leadership, Portugal lacked creativity in midfield during crucial moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ronaldo&#8217;s World Cup Journey May Be Over<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the final whistle sounded, all eyes turned to Cristiano Ronaldo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The legendary forward looked devastated as Spain celebrated qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At 41 years old, this tournament was widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup, making the defeat even more emotional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ronaldo leaves the competition having enjoyed one of the greatest international careers in football history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His achievements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>European Championship winner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UEFA Nations League champion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portugal&#8217;s all-time leading scorer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Five-time Ballon d&#8217;Or winner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One of the highest goalscorers in World Cup history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of whether he returns for another major tournament, Ronaldo&#8217;s legacy remains secure as one of football&#8217;s greatest players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portugal Midfield Faces Heavy Criticism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the elimination, criticism quickly turned toward Portugal&#8217;s midfield performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many supporters questioned the lack of creativity and forward passing throughout the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portugal often struggled to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Progress the ball quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support Cristiano Ronaldo inside the penalty area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Break Spain&#8217;s defensive structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Control possession during key moments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain&#8217;s midfield trio consistently won second balls and dictated the tempo, leaving Portugal chasing possession for much of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lack of support for Ronaldo became increasingly evident as the match wore on, with the veteran striker frequently isolated against multiple Spanish defenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spain Continue Their World Cup Dream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain once again demonstrated why they remain among the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than panicking when the match remained goalless, Luis de la Fuente&#8217;s side trusted their passing philosophy until the very end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their persistence was rewarded in stoppage time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The victory extends Spain&#8217;s impressive tournament run and sets up an exciting quarter-final encounter as they continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With young stars blending perfectly alongside experienced players, Spain continue to look stronger with every match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Match Statistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Statistic<\/th><th>Spain<\/th><th>Portugal<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Final Score<\/td><td>1<\/td><td>0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Goalscorer<\/td><td>Mikel Merino (90+1&#8242;)<\/td><td>\u2014<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Possession<\/td><td>Superior<\/td><td>Limited<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Result<\/td><td>Quarter-finals<\/td><td>Eliminated<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Result Means<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Progress to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep hopes of lifting the World Cup alive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue an impressive unbeaten tournament run.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build momentum ahead of the next knockout match.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portugal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Eliminated from the competition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ronaldo&#8217;s World Cup future remains uncertain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Questions emerge over tactical decisions and midfield creativity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another golden generation falls short of World Cup glory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Player of the Match<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> Mikel Merino <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Merino produced the defining moment of the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coming up with the decisive goal in stoppage time required composure, intelligence, and perfect timing. His finish not only secured Spain&#8217;s place in the quarter-finals but also delivered one of the tournament&#8217;s most dramatic moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain refused to give up and were rewarded with one of the latest goals of the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. Mikel Merino&#8217;s 90+1-minute strike proved enough to eliminate Portugal and send La Roja into the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Portugal, the defeat is a painful end to another World Cup campaign and could bring the curtain down on Cristiano Ronaldo&#8217;s remarkable journey on football&#8217;s biggest stage. While criticism is likely to focus on Portugal&#8217;s lack of creativity and failure to support their captain, Spain march on with growing confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the tournament enters its decisive stages, Spain remain firmly in the hunt for World Cup glory, while Portugal are left reflecting on what might have been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bet World Cup With Bangbet!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Experience the pinnacle of football glory with&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bangbet.com\/\">Bangbet<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;this World Cup as you elevate your betting journey through&nbsp;<strong>industry\u2011leading odds<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>exclusive bonuses<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>generous cashback offers<\/strong>&nbsp;designed to maximize every wager. Stay ahead of the competition with&nbsp;<strong>expert squad insights<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>precise match predictions<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>real\u2011time updates<\/strong>&nbsp;on all major tournament news. Whether you\u2019re a passionate fan or a seasoned punter, Bangbet delivers an unmatched experience that turns your passion into profit. Join Bangbet today to unlock an unparalleled betting adventure tailored for the ultimate football fan.<br><br><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bangbet.com\/\">Bangbet<\/a>&nbsp;More Than Win!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spain kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 dream alive in dramatic fashion after defeating Portugal 1-0 in an unforgettable Round of 16 clash. Just when extra time looked inevitable, substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 90+1st minute, breaking Portuguese hearts and sending La Roja into the quarter-finals. For Portugal, it was a heartbreaking exit that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":12568,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-football-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12566"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12566\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12567,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12566\/revisions\/12567"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12566"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/ng\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}