BeatzHive
Merino’s 91st-Minute Goal Ends Ronaldo’s Last World Cup
News

Merino’s 91st-Minute Goal Ends Ronaldo’s Last World Cup

July 7, 2026 By BeatzHive Editorial 2 min read

Merino’s Stoppage-Time Winner Knocks Ronaldo’s Portugal Out of the World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo’s last appearance on football’s biggest stage ended in agony as Mikel Merino struck in the 91st minute to hand Spain a 1-0 win over Portugal at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The result books Spain a quarter-final place and closes the chapter on the 41-year-old’s pursuit of the one trophy that has eluded him.

Late Merino Strike Settles Cagey Dallas Clash

The Iberian derby was cagey from the opening whistle, with clear chances at a premium in the first half. Mikel Oyarzabal wasted Spain’s best early opening in the ninth minute, dragging his effort wide after being sent through on goal. Portugal responded as the half wore on, and a powerful Nuno Mendes drive took a deflection off Pedro Porro before rattling the crossbar. Ronaldo tested Unai Simon with a shot in the 37th minute, though the goalkeeper dealt with it comfortably.

After the break, Spain’s backline — which had not conceded all tournament — continued to shut down Portugal’s forwards. Bruno Fernandes went closest to a breakthrough in the 76th minute, his strike flashing narrowly wide of the near post.

With extra time looming, substitute Ferran Torres slipped a clever ball behind the Portuguese defence in the 91st minute, and Merino, on for Pedri, kept his cool to beat Diogo Costa with a low finish. Bernardo Silva nearly rescued Portugal deep in stoppage time, but his flicked header dropped onto the roof of the net.

The End Of Ronaldo’s World Cup Journey

The defeat ends Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign, a record-laden run in which he became the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament. On the night, however, he struggled for service and was unable to shape the contest. For a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the game’s history, the World Cup remains the missing piece of an extraordinary career.

Portugal’s exit also raises questions about the future of coach Roberto Martinez, who is reportedly set to step down after the tournament, having led a squad many tipped as genuine contenders. Spain, meanwhile, have now gone five matches without conceding and will meet the winner of the USA-Belgium tie in the last eight.

Stay with BeatzHive News for more entertainment and music news.

On X

Follow the story: see the latest on X. More entertainment news on BeatzHive News.

You may also like