Mikel Merino scores in second-half stoppage time to give Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal at Dallas Stadium, eliminating Portugal and ending Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup campaign.Ferran Torres, who also came off the bench, plays the decisive through-ball and Mikel Merino finishes past Diogo Costa as Unai Simón preserves a clean sheet and Spain moves into the quarterfinals to face the winner of the United States–Belgium match in Los Angeles.The match is decided by tactical substitutions and midfield control, with Rodrigo Hernández driving Spain's pressure while Portugal produces chances, sees a Nuno Mendes shot hit the crossbar and relies on Diogo Costa for several key saves.Statistical measures underline
Spain's control —
expected goals about 1.77 to 0.60, 56 percent possession, 15 shots to 10 and seven corners to three — and the result comes amid tournament controversies including the reversal of
Eberechi Eze's disqualification and political tensions involving
Gianni Infantino.