Horse’s Mouth News appreciates donations in support of good journalism and quality reportage. (Naira Account, Nigeria)
Account number: 6281917627
Account name: Horse’s Mouth News Media
Bank: Monie Point
World Cup: Spain qualify for quarter-finals, beat Portugal 1-0 with stoppage time goal
Spain qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup after Mikel Merino scored a second-half stoppage goal time to beat Portugal 1-0.
The Iberian rivals faced off in a classic, round of 16 match at Dallas Stadium, as Lamine Yamal of Spain clashes with Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.
Spain was considered favorite to win the match after a fresh 3-0 win against Austria in the round of 32.
Portugal however was coming off a controversial 2-1 win against Croatia in the round of 32, with both Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos contributing a goal each to secure victory.
Spain is advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning its only World Cup title in 2010 in South Africa,as they prepare to race either USA or Belgium on Friday at the Los Angeles Stadium
Portugal crashing out of the World Cup on Monday May likely end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would be bowing out of international competition after this tournament.
Ronaldo had scored a hat-trick against Spain in a 3-3 draw, during the 2018 World Cup, a group-stage opener considered one of the tournament’s best games.
The Portugal star has three goals to his credit in the ongoing tournament, but could not secure many chances against Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon.
The Spanish side had better chances which could not be converted. Extra time and possibly penalties loomed until Merino’s late goal, giving Spain another World Cup record of sixth consecutive clean sheet, and goalkeeper Simon extending his record shutout streak to 609 minutes.
