World Cup – Merino scores as Spain defeats Portugal 1-0

In another key match of the Round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, Spain, the "Matadors," defeated Portugal, the "Navigators," 1-0 after Merino scored in the final stages of the game.

Three minutes into the match, Spain created an attacking opportunity. Oyarzabal received the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a long-range shot, but Diogo Costa made the save. In the 7th minute, Portuguese defender Nuno Mendes passed the ball to Cancelo in the penalty area, who then fired a shot, but the ball went over the post.

In the 8th minute, Oyarzabal received a long pass from Olmo and his shot went wide. In the 12th minute, Portugal attempted a counter-attack. Bruno Fernandes passed the ball diagonally, and Ronaldo followed up with a shot, but it was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón.

In the 16th minute, Rodri played a through ball to Yamal, who evaded his defender and curled a shot, but it was saved by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Baena followed up with a shot, but it was also saved by Diogo Costa. In the 23rd minute, Spain won a free kick, and Pedro Porro took a long-range shot from near the penalty area, but it went wide.

In the 31st minute, Spain's attack was cleared by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, and Olmo's header went wide. In the 37th minute, Felix headed the ball back, and Ronaldo's hook shot was intercepted by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón.

In the 45th minute, Rodri received a pass from Oyarzabal near the edge of the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball went high.

In the 51st minute of the second half, Pedro Neto crossed from the right wing, but failed to create a shooting opportunity. In the 56th minute, Nuno Mendes suffered an injury and was replaced by Nelson Semedo after being unable to continue.

In the 58th minute, Felix passed the ball to Ronaldo, whose shot went wide. In the 62nd minute, Spain launched a counter-attack from a corner kick, and Yamal's shot was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 73rd minute, Spain won a free kick. Yamal took the shot directly, but it was saved by Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa. In the 76th minute, Ronaldo orchestrated an attack, and Vitinha's follow-up long-range shot was blocked.

In the 77th minute, Pedri made a long pass, and Ferran Torres received the pass and shot from the penalty area, but the shot went wide. In the 85th minute, Spain substituted Merino for Olmo. In the 89th minute, Bernardo Silva fouled Merino and was shown a yellow card by the referee.

In stoppage time of the second half, Spain won a free kick. Ferran Torres played a through ball, and Merino fired a low shot into the net, giving Spain a 1-0 lead. Six minutes later, Conceição delivered a cross, and Bernardo Silva headed the ball towards goal, but it went over the bar.

In the end, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals.

Image source: Internet