Dallas, July 7 (SANA) Spain advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal after Mikel Merino scored in stoppage time to settle their Round of 16 clash in Dallas on Monday.
The two sides exchanged early chances in a fast-paced opening half. Spain came closest in the 16th minute when Lamine Yamal’s powerful strike from outside the penalty area was saved by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal nearly broke the deadlock before halftime as João Félix connected with a cross from Pedro Neto, but Spain’s goalkeeper made a timely save to keep the score level.
Spain maintained the pressure after the break while Portugal continued to threaten on the counterattack. Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, Ferran Torres played a precise through ball to Mikel Merino, who fired home from inside the penalty area in the first minute of stoppage time to send Spain into the last eight.
Spain will face Belgium in the quarterfinals after Belgium defeated the United States in the Round of 16.
T.S /ABD
