Portugal is out of the 2026 World Cup after being defeated, this Monday (6), in the duel with Spain (0-1), in the round of 16 game. A goal from Mikel Merino, in stoppage time, confirmed Spanish superiority, on a night in Dallas, Texas, in which Cristiano Ronaldo's team once again disappointed. The Portuguese team will therefore return home with baggage full of disappointment.
Portugal loses to Spain and is out of the World Cup
Portugal is out of the 2026 World Cup after being defeated, this Monday (6), in the duel with Spain (0-1), in the round of 16 game. A goal from Mikel Merino, in stoppage time, confirmed Spanish superiority, on a night...
The game film
Spain came out wanting to push Portugal back and after just eight minutes they could have scored the first goal. Mikel Oyarzabal was isolated in the face of Diogo Costa, but he didn't give the best direction when finishing and wasted an opportunity to open the score in the early stages.
Despite the failure, the Spanish team gained confidence and continued to surround Portugal. Precisely eight minutes later it was Lamine Yamal's turn to open the way to the rivals' area, resulting in an excellent intervention from the Portuguese goalkeeper. Diogo Costa made an impressive save, sending Spain into despair.
Until half an hour into the game, Portugal was surrounded by Spain, with the CR7 team only applying light pressure. A header from João Félix forced Unai Simón to interfere, and Cristiano Ronaldo, from a very complicated angle, was unable to complete the pass.
The second half began with Portugal leveling the game, but suffering a serious setback in the 55th minute. Nuno Mendes was injured after winning another duel against Lamine Yamal and coach Roberto Martínez was forced to introduce Nélson Semedo in the match.
Interestingly, the change brought Spain back into control of the game, but Roberto Martínez was slow to make changes that would give greater freshness and rationality to the Portuguese team.
Only after the hydration break did the coach try to give Portugal a new boost, bringing in Diogo Dalot and Rafael Leão to replace João Cancelo and João Félix.
On the other side, Luis de la Fuente only made a change in the 75th minute, with Ferrán Torres replacing Alex Baena.
The minutes passed and Portugal attacked less and less and defended more and more, with Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo being a constant source of danger.
Without spark in the attack, Roberto Martínez ran out of changes in the 83rd minute, again with two entries at once: Francisco Conceição and Bernardo Silva came on to replace Pedro Neto and Vitinha.
Even so, the Portuguese problems persisted and the Spanish goal would arrive in regulation time. The newly introduced Mikel Merino got in Diogo Costa's face, after an assist from Ferrán Torres, and didn't forgive (90'+1), scoring for Spain and sending Portugal out of the World Cup.
The moment in which Merino beats Diogo Costa and resolves Portugal-Spain. © Getty Images
Bernardo Silva was still close to a draw shortly afterwards, but Portugal's elimination was inevitable. The Portuguese team is out of the World Cup, saying goodbye to the biggest national team competition without much shine. 4
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Source: Noticias ao Minuto - Ultima Hora
This story was originally published by Noticias ao Minuto - Ultima Hora. Visit the original publication for further details.
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