Merino scored the only goal of the match in the 90+1 minute, just six minutes after his participation, taking advantage of a pass from Ferran Torres, to give “El Matador” a valuable victory.
The match witnessed many opportunities for both sides, and goalkeepers Unai Simon and Diogo Costa excelled in stopping several attempts, before the substitutes decided the confrontation in favor of Spain in the final minutes.
With this victory, Spain qualified for the quarter-finals, where it will face the winner of the United States-Belgium match.
Likewise, Spain continued its historical superiority over Portugal, achieving its 19th victory in direct confrontations, compared to 7 wins for Portugal and 16 draws.
The match also marked the end of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career, after he had played six consecutive editions since the 2006 World Cup, ending his World Cup career without winning the title.
