Spain secured a dramatic place in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner to earn a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas.
Marc Cucurella played the full match for Spain, while Portugal captain Bernardo Silva came on in the 83rd minute. Spain will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 10.
Portugal survive early pressure
Spain began the match on the front foot and nearly took the lead in the eighth minute when Mikel Oyarzabal dragged his left-footed effort narrowly wide.
Portugal almost struck before the break through Nuno Mendes, whose powerful long-range shot crashed against the crossbar in the best chance of the first half.
Merino delivers decisive moment
Both sides found chances hard to come by after the interval, with the contest appearing destined for extra time.
However, Spain found the breakthrough in the 91st minute when Merino calmly slotted home from inside the penalty area, sending the European side into the last eight with a dramatic late winner.
Spain march into last eight
The victory keeps Spain’s World Cup dream alive as they await the winner of the United States versus Belgium Round of 16 clash.
Portugal exit the tournament after a disciplined performance that was ultimately undone by Merino’s decisive stoppage-time strike.
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