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Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 on Monday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream and securing a spot in the quarter-finals.
Spanish substitute Mikel Merino broke the deadlock in the first minute of stoppage time, prodding a low finish past goalkeeper Diogo Costa after chasing down a quick free kick.
The defeat marks a sombre World Cup farewell for the 41-year-old Portuguese captain, who failed to inspire his team during his sixth tournament appearance.
Portugal managed only two shots on target throughout the dour contest, and Ronaldo later stated he would take time to contemplate his international future.
The victory advances the 2010 world champions to a Friday quarter-final clash against the winner of Monday night’s highly contentious last-16 matchup between the United States and Belgium.
That upcoming game in Seattle has ignited global outrage following a dramatic FIFA ruling that cleared American striker Folarin Balogun to play.
FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-match red card ban for a year after US President Donald Trump personally phoned FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to argue against the foul.
While US coach Mauricio Pochettino immediately named Balogun to his starting lineup, the decision drew fierce condemnation across Europe.
FIFA swiftly dismissed an official appeal from the Belgian football association, prompting UEFA to declare that the governing body crossed a red line, while the European Union heavily criticised the political intervention.
