Mataiasi Stark 
[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook]
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey has come to an end after Portugal suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in their Round of 16 clash this morning.
Spain substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the first minute of stoppage time, finally breaking down a resilient Portuguese defence to send the European champions into the quarter-finals.
The result brought the curtain down on Ronaldo’s illustrious World Cup career, just a day after the Portuguese captain confirmed the 2026 tournament would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Portugal had frustrated Spain for much of the contest with a disciplined defensive display, but Merino made the breakthrough six minutes after coming off the bench, capitalising on Spain’s late pressure to secure victory at a packed Dallas Stadium.
A visibly disappointed Ronaldo left the field to a standing ovation from supporters as Portugal’s World Cup campaign came to an end.
Spain will now face either co-hosts the United States or Belgium in the quarter-finals.
