Mikel Merino came off the bench to score a dramatic 91st-minute winner as Spain edged past Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup Round of 32, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream to a heartbreaking end.
The Arsenal midfielder, introduced in the 85th minute, latched onto a brilliant pass from Ferran Torres to fire home from close range and send Spain into the quarter-finals.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo, who had confirmed before the game that this would be his last World Cup, saw his dream of lifting the trophy come to a crushing end.
The Portugal captain finishes the tournament with three goals in four matches, including a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32 – his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal.
Portugal finished second in Group K behind Colombia, with five points from three matches. They advanced to the knockout stage but could not find a way past a stubborn Spanish defence.
Spain, who are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, will now face either the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Merino's late strike was a cruel blow for Portugal, who had defended resolutely throughout the match. The substitute's goal in first-half stoppage time silenced the Portuguese faithful and sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish contingent.
For Ronaldo, the tears at the final whistle told the story. His World Cup journey, spanning a record six tournaments, is over.
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