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New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream shattered after Spain struck in injury time in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, July 7. The substitue Mikel Merino scored a brilliant left-footer goal in the 91st minute and knocked out Portugal from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Earlier, Ronaldo announced this would be his last World Cup and now one of the greats of the game might end his international career without a World Cup title.

Just after the final whistle of the game, Ronaldo broke down in tears and was frozen for few seconds. The 41-year-old Portugal striker played every minute of the game but couldn’t take his team over the line.

Spain have now moved to the quarter-finals and are the only side in this World Cup to not concede a single goal. 

The Portugal star received criticism before the World Cup that the 41-year-old striker didn’t fit in the team, but the Portuguese manager, Robert Martínez, waved at Ronaldo and trusted the striker, who gave everything to the country more than anyone else.

It wasn’t the vintage Ronaldo show today, but it was a masterclass in defiance as a performance that showed the world a player refusing to let his dream slip away without a fight.

It was the classic Spain show as the side looked more complete and comprehensive on the field. Rodri was charging on the ground, Pedri was supporting to not slow down the tempo and Dani Olmo repeatedly broke Portugal’s defence in the game.

The hero of the game, Merino entered the match in the 85th minute, replacing Pedri and scored a stunner in the 91st minute. Ferran Torres made a brilliant assist to Merino, who also came as a substitute in the game.

Bernardo Silva had a chance in the final minutes of the game as he got a cross from the right and took a header, but the ball spun over the net and with that final chance, Portugal’s World Cup dream was also shattered.

Spain will take on the winner of Belgium vs USA on July 10.