Sports News Update: Spain Edges Portugal 1-0 as Mikel Merino's Late Strike Ends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Career

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The Pakistan Times — 

Islamabad Times

Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable World Cup journey has come to an end. Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the only goal deep into stoppage time to send the reigning European champions through to the quarter-finals. The Pakistan Times brings readers the full story of how the match unfolded and what it means for both sides.

A Cagey Contest Decided in the Dying Seconds

For long periods, the match looked destined for extra time. Spain dominated possession and created the better chances throughout normal time without finding the breakthrough, while Portugal relied on moments of individual brilliance and resolute goalkeeping from Diogo Costa to stay level. Costa produced three saves in the first half alone, while at the other end Unai Simon twice denied Portugal in quick succession, first turning away a header from Joao Felix before recovering to block Ronaldo's follow-up effort from close range.

The deadlock finally broke in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. A quick Spanish restart following a foul saw Rodri find Ferran Torres, who slipped a clever pass in behind the Portuguese back line for Merino, brought on earlier for Dani Olmo. The former Newcastle midfielder timed his run to perfection and slotted the ball beyond Costa's reach, sending the Spanish bench into wild celebration and leaving Portugal with no time to respond.

Portugal's afternoon was further complicated by an injury to left-back Nuno Mendes, who was forced off after a heavy fall while defending and was replaced by Nelson Semedo. Bernardo Silva also picked up a yellow card in the closing stages as Portugal searched for an equalizer that never came.

The End of an Era for Ronaldo

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo had confirmed just a day before the match that this would be his sixth and final World Cup appearance. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Portugal captain said he would leave the sport with a clear conscience regardless of the result, saying he had given everything to the game out of pure passion rather than necessity. With Monday's defeat, Ronaldo's extraordinary run at football's biggest stage — spanning two decades since his World Cup debut in 2006, when Lamine Yamal, his opponent on the pitch, had not yet been born — has now come to a close without the World Cup trophy that eluded him throughout his career.

Spain's Path Continues

The win extends Spain's unbeaten run and keeps alive their pursuit of the country's longest-ever unbeaten streak in international football. Having already beaten Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and gone unbeaten through the group stage, Spain now advances to face the winner of Monday's late fixture between the United States and Belgium in Seattle, with a place in the semi-finals on the line.

For Portugal, the loss brings a disappointing end to a World Cup campaign that had already been shaky, having needed a dramatic stoppage-time winner over Croatia just to reach the Round of 16. It also marks a symbolic changing of the guard, with 19-year-old Lamine Yamal — not yet born when Ronaldo made his World Cup debut — now firmly established as one of the faces of Spain's new generation.

The Pakistan Times will continue to bring readers full coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the knockout stages progress. Stay connected with The Pakistan Times for the latest World Cup updates.

© 2026 The Pakistan Times — All Rights Reserved.

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