Spain player ratings vs Portugal: Mikel Merino is the ultimate super-sub! Arsenal star comes up clutch to send Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. packing from World Cup last 16
Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 thanks to a late goal from substitute Mikel Merino. The victory advances Spain to the next round while ending Cristiano Ronaldo's tenure in the tournament.
Why it matters
This match result significantly alters the bracket for the 2026 World Cup and marks a transition point for major international football stars.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner as Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in an unexpectedly drab World Cup round-of-16 clash on Monday. The Arsenal midfielder was introduced in the 85th minute and won the game in the 91st with a tidy finish that was just about deserved. La Roja were ineffective for long stretches, and created little, but Merino proved to be the difference-maker.
The report provides a balanced summary of the match events and tactical performance of both teams.
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