Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Monday after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career.
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the first minute of stoppage time, converting from close range after a well-worked free-kick to settle a tightly contested Round of 16 encounter.
The Iberian rivals struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening half, with Spain enjoying more possession while Portugal threatened on the counter-attack.
Spain came closest through Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal, but goalkeeper Diogo Costa made several important saves to keep Portugal in the contest.
Portugal responded through Ronaldo, João Félix and Pedro Neto, but were unable to find a way past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.
The match became increasingly physical after the break as both sides made attacking substitutions in search of a breakthrough.
Portugal almost took the lead when Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar with a powerful effort that took a slight deflection.
Spain eventually found the breakthrough in the 91st minute when Ferran Torres set up Merino, who calmly slotted the ball beyond Costa.
Portugal pushed forward in the closing minutes, but Bernardo Silva headed narrowly wide before Spain held on to secure victory.
The result brought an end to Ronaldo’s FIFA World Cup career after the 41-year-old had confirmed before the tournament that it would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.