Spain secured a dramatic place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup after Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in Monday’s Round of 16 clash.
With extra time looming, Merino emerged as Spain’s hero in the 91st minute. The midfielder, introduced just six minutes earlier, met a perfectly weighted pass from Ferran Torres inside the box before calmly slotting a low finish past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
The late goal settled a closely fought contest in which both sides enjoyed opportunities but were unable to break the deadlock for most of the match.
Portugal threatened through Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes, but Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón produced a series of vital saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Spain also looked dangerous throughout the encounter, with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pedro Porro, Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal all testing Portugal’s defence. Diogo Costa and his defenders stood firm until Merino’s decisive intervention in added time.
Portugal were dealt a blow in the second half when Nuno Mendes was forced off with an injury and replaced by Nelson Semedo.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente made a decisive tactical move in the 85th minute by introducing Merino and Fabián Ruiz, a substitution that paid off almost immediately as Merino scored the winner to send Spain into the last eight.
