Spain Shatter Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Dreams as Portugal's Journey Comes to an End
Portugal's 2026 World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end on Monday, as they were defeated 1-0 by Spain in the last 16. The match, played in Dallas, saw Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career likely come to a close.
The first half was evenly matched, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Joao Cancelo and Mikel Oyarzabal had early chances, while Ronaldo drew a routine stop from the angle. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made an excellent double save from Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena's efforts.
Portugal edged into the ascendency late in the half, with Joao Felix's back-post header causing chaos in the Spanish box. Nuno Mendes' fierce strike was deflected onto the crossbar, but the teams went into the break level.
The second period was largely uneventful, although Costa was forced to push a Yamal free-kick over the top. However, in the 91st minute, Spanish substitute Mikel Merino was slipped through by Ferran Torres' pass and fired a perfect low finish beyond the stranded goalkeeper to win the tie.
Substitute Bernardo Silva came close to levelling in the final minute of stoppage time, but his flicked header landed on the top of the net. The defeat marks a disappointing end to Portugal's World Cup campaign and likely signals the end of Ronaldo's World Cup career.
The first half was evenly matched, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Joao Cancelo and Mikel Oyarzabal had early chances, while Ronaldo drew a routine stop from the angle. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made an excellent double save from Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena's efforts.
Portugal edged into the ascendency late in the half, with Joao Felix's back-post header causing chaos in the Spanish box. Nuno Mendes' fierce strike was deflected onto the crossbar, but the teams went into the break level.
The second period was largely uneventful, although Costa was forced to push a Yamal free-kick over the top. However, in the 91st minute, Spanish substitute Mikel Merino was slipped through by Ferran Torres' pass and fired a perfect low finish beyond the stranded goalkeeper to win the tie.
Substitute Bernardo Silva came close to levelling in the final minute of stoppage time, but his flicked header landed on the top of the net. The defeat marks a disappointing end to Portugal's World Cup campaign and likely signals the end of Ronaldo's World Cup career.
#News, #Football