Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late goal to send Spain through to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a narrow win against Portugal in the round of 16 on Monday.
The contest proved tense from start to finish, with both sides creating chances but struggling to find a breakthrough. Spain dominated possession for long spells yet found it difficult to unlock a well-organised defence. As the clock ticked down, a swift counter-attack allowed the midfielder to time his run perfectly and finish with composure. The victory returns Spain to the last eight for the first time since their 2010 triumph, sparking jubilant scenes among players and supporters alike. Attention now turns to the quarter-final draw and the challenge that lies ahead in the knockout stages.
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