Spain ends Portugal's World Cup, Ronaldo bows out

Spain has ended Portugal's World Cup journey, marking a subdued farewell for Cristiano Ronaldo, who played his final match on the grandest stage. Mikel Merino's decisive goal in the first minute of added time secured a 1-0 victory for Spain, who will now compete against the victor of the U.S. and Belgium match.

Ronaldo, who had stated this would be his last World Cup, departed the field in tears. His performance was notably quiet, with only 12 touches in the first half and limited impact throughout the game, raising questions about his continued presence at this elite level.

The match was a cagey affair, with both teams largely neutralizing each other. Spain's defense, which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, proved resilient, extending Unai Simon's unbeaten streak to 519 minutes. The decisive moment came from a quick free-kick, leading to a lapse in concentration from Portugal and Merino's well-taken goal.

Spain's patient approach, reminiscent of their 2010 triumph, ultimately paid off. While they controlled possession and territory, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. However, their defensive solidity and ability to find a crucial goal at the right moment saw them through, demonstrating their capacity for narrow victories in grueling matches.