FIFA World Cup: Mikel Merino became the hero of Spain in the last minute, made it to the quarterfinals by defeating Portugal 1-0

Arlington (Texas). In the round of 16 match of the FIFA World Cup, Spain performed brilliantly in the last moments and entered the quarterfinals by defeating Portugal 1-0. The only and decisive goal of the match was scored by substitute player Mikel Merino in the 91st minute.

From the beginning of the match, both the teams played aggressively and continuously created opportunities to score goals, but neither team could take the lead in the first half. Both the goalkeepers performed brilliantly and saved their team from conceding goals on many important occasions.

The match in the second half was also very tough and exciting. It seemed that the match would go to extra time, but in injury time two substitute players of Spain changed the course of the match. Ferran Torres gave a brilliant pass to Mikel Merino and Merino beat Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa and sent the ball into the net with a low shot.

Earlier, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal could not convert a great opportunity into a goal. On the other hand, the efforts of Cristiano Ronaldo, who called it his last World Cup before the match, were thwarted by Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simeone with a brilliant save. At the same time, Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa also kept his team in the match for a long time by stopping Alex Baena’s dangerous shot with the tip of his fingers.

Nuno Mendes’ deflected shot hit the crossbar late in the first half, while both teams had limited opportunities in the second half. Ultimately, Merino’s decisive goal gave Spain the victory, sending them into the last eight.

Now the Spain team will face Belgium in the quarterfinal match to be played in Los Angeles on Friday.