Spain has advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, sealed by a last-gasp goal from substitute Mikel Merino.

The high-stakes encounter in Dallas remained deadlocked for the vast majority of regulation time. It appeared the match was headed for extra time until the opening minute of the six added minutes shattered the stalemate, sending Spain through and eliminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in heartbreak.

A Tense First Half
The match began with high intensity. In the 3rd minute, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal intercepted a pass and launched a rapid counter-attack, but his shot was denied by a brilliant save from Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Moments later, Lamine Yamal whipped in a dangerous cross, but the Portuguese defense cleared the danger.

Spain missed a golden opportunity in the 8th minute when an Oyarzabal shot, following a precise through ball from Dani Olmo, narrowly missed the post. Portugal responded in the 12th minute; Bruno Fernandes found Ronaldo on the right, but his sharp-angled effort was smothered by Spanish keeper Unai Simón.

Diogo Costa continued to be the hero for Portugal, producing a spectacular double-save in the 16th minute to deny first Yamal and then Álex Baena. Costa was tested again in the 30th minute, bravely rushing out to diffuse a dangerous Spanish setup involving Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, and Olmo.

Second Half Desperation
The intensity persisted after the break. Following a hydration break in the 68th minute, Portugal coach Roberto Martínez injected fresh legs, bringing on Rafael Leão and Diogo Dalot. Spain’s Yamal forced another remarkable save from Costa in the 73rd minute with a fierce free-kick.

Portugal mounted heavy pressure in the closing stages. In the 76th minute, Vitinha’s long-range attempt was blocked, and Bruno Fernandes’ follow-up effort from a narrow angle found the side netting.

The Decisive Moment
Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, the breakthrough arrived. In the 91st minute, substitute Mikel Merino capitalized on a defensive lapse, finding space between the center-backs to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Portugal had one final chance to equalize in the 96th minute, but a leaping header from Bernardo Silva sailed narrowly over the crossbar. With that, the final whistle confirmed Spain's progress and a disappointing exit for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.