Merino Scores Stoppage-Time Winner to Send Spain Past Portugal

Merino's late strike completes his recovery from a four-month foot injury, signaling a likely end to Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career.

Overview

Mikel Merino came off the bench and scored the only goal in second-half stoppage time, giving Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal and a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The decisive goal arrived minutes after Merino's introduction in a match reported on Tuesday, underlining his impact as a substitute in knockout football.
Merino missed about four months earlier this season with a foot injury and only returned in Arsenal's final Premier League game before the tournament, making his late winner the culmination of a recovery he described as 'such a huge relief.'
Media coverage links Portugal's elimination to Cristiano Ronaldo's likely international retirement, but reports describe that outcome as expected or probable rather than officially confirmed.
Spain advance to the quarter-finals and Arsenal will take encouragement from Merino's return to form because his ability to change big games can affect both his club role and Spain's hopes in the tournament.