ARLINGTON: Substitute Mikel Merino scored a spectacular decisive goal to send Spain into the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career on Monday.
The European champions will face the United States – the only remaining co-hosting country – or Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles.
In front of an expected crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys, a game that, on paper, promised so much, failed to deliver.
Extra time seemed assured, before his compatriot Ferran Torres slipped in Merino to settle the match in the first minute of added time.
It meant a sour World Cup final for Ronaldo, 41, who looked like he was holding back tears at the end.
Spanish captain Rodri praised the “maturity” of his team.
“If anyone thinks we will move forward without suffering, they are wrong,” he said.
“We knew we had to wait for the right moment and it came, although they also had chances to win the game,” added the Manchester City midfielder.
Praising match-winner Merino, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, Rodri said: “He’s a sensational player… who I love.”
Ronaldo, who is currently playing in Saudi Arabia, confirmed on the eve of the match that it would be his last dance on football’s biggest stage.
One of the greatest players of all time refused to say when he would end his international career and was ineffective here.
The neighbors are both undefeated, but while Portugal have not been entirely convincing, Spain have not even conceded a goal in the tournament.
One of the pre-tournament favorites, they still haven’t made it.
For all its pedigree, talent and history, Spain has only won the World Cup once, in 2010, while Portugal finished third in 1966.
In Ronaldo and Barcelona’s 18-year-old Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, the round of 16 showdown was billed as a showcase of two extraordinary talents at opposite ends of their careers.
In truth, neither lived up to expectations that day.
There was a dark moment shortly before kick-off when a black and white image of the late Portuguese striker Diogo Jota appeared on the giant screen overlooking the pitch.
Ronaldo applauded, mocked
Spain should have taken the lead with less than 10 minutes remaining when Dani Olmo played in Mikel Oyarzabal, but with only goalkeeper Diogo Costa to beat, he somehow managed to keep it away.
Portugal captain Ronaldo had his first chance to add to his three goals in North America, stinging the palms of goalkeeper Unai Simon from a tight angle.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain increased the pressure, with Yamal and Alex Baena testing Costa twice in a row, the second with a magnificent fingertip save.
Ronaldo — booed and cheered in equal measure — was a marginal presence in the central attacking role he now occupies in the twilight of his career.
Portugal finished the half in front and Roberto Martinez’s side were inches away from taking the lead when Spanish full-back Pedro Porro stuck his head out and headed a Nuno Mendes shot onto his own crossbar.
Winger Yamal had a frustrating period against Mendes, but the Paris Saint-Germain full-back was forced off injured after 56 minutes during a tough blow against Portugal.
The match needed a spark and Ronaldo, well known in Spain from his time at Real Madrid, raised his arms when a pass went astray.
Martinez made double changes in the 71st and 83rd minutes, but kept Ronaldo on.
And in a cagey game, Arsenal midfielder Merino took it to the death with a composed finish that was out of keeping with much of what had gone before.
