Mikel Merino came off the bench to score an injury-time winner for Spain as they knocked Portugal – and Cristiano Ronaldo – out of the World Cup in a heavyweight last-16 tie in Dallas.
Spain had failed to create clear-cut openings in a poor second half before Ferran Torres played in the Arsenal midfielder, who slotted low past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.
The 1-0 result was a repeat of their meeting at the same stage in 2010 and sets up a quarter-final tie with either co-hosts United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, 10 July (20:00 BST).
Portugal’s defeat also ends 41-year-old Ronaldo’s World Cup career after the superstar confirmed this tournament would be his last.
Spain squandered a gilt-edged chance after just three minutes as Dani Olmo’s pass helped Mikel Oyarzabal get behind the defence, but the Real Sociedad striker dragged his effort wide.
(c) BBC