Portugal 0 – 1 Spain

Spain labored to a 1-0 win over Iberian rivals Portugal in their last-16 tie to play in the quarter-finals with the winners of USA vs Belgium.

In an underwhelming game that failed to live up to its billing in Dallas, Michael Merino proved decisive, coming off the bench late on to latch on to a smart Ferran Torres pass to slot it out of the grasp of Diogo Costa in second-half stoppage time.

His calm and final strike was the only real moment of quality from an encounter that boasted many superstars, none of whom managed to rise to the occasion like many of the rival nations’ high-profile players.

The result, of course, had consequences for Portugal even after their tournament ended. Roberto Martinez has stepped down as head coach, while Cristiano Ronaldo revealed before the game that this summer will mark his final appearance at the World Cup.

Portugal captain Klose was visibly emotional, knowing his side had failed to show up properly for their final farewell tour on the world stage. An international career spanning two decades would have no fairytale ending.

Ronaldo was indeed the only Portugal player to land a shot on target all night, with Spain’s immense control and impressive defensive structure triumphing. They became the first team in World Cup history to register six consecutive clean sheets and are yet to concede a single goal in the tournament.

Luis de la Fuente’s side are into the quarter-finals for the first time since winning their only World Cup title in South Africa in 2010 and will face either the United States or Belgium on Friday.

Key moments in Arlington

3: Save! Michael Warzabal drew a decent stop from Diogo Costa to land the first effort on goal of the game.

8: Sitter! Warzabal pulled his effort from a promising position on the Acres.

11: Us! Ronaldo claimed a penalty after an altercation with Rodri in the box, where he fell to the floor. VAR checked but nothing was given.

16: Double save! Diogo Costa made two stops to deny both Lamine Yamal and Baena in the follow-up.

37: Chance! Ronaldo glanced a header past Joao Felix but couldn’t beat Unai Simon.

41: Nuno Mendes curls an effort off the crossbar via Pedro Porro’s head.

76: Miss! Bruno Fernandes smashed an effort into the side-netting after good work from substitute Rafael Leo.

90+1: Goal! Merino slipped by Torres and beat Costa with a neat, low finish inside the post.

Goodbye, Cristiano

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 27th World Cup appearance conspired to end him. He has scored in all six editions he has appeared in, holding the all-time record for scoring in the highest number of tournaments.

An Iberian derby to forget…

Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:

For two nations steeped in neighborly tension and bursting with endless talent, this competition has failed to deliver on many levels. Expectations were through the roof but what actually transpired was a tense affair between the two sides that lacked spark.

Big hitters were basically anonymous. There was none of the old enemy sentiment, added spice, or sense of occasion that you would associate with his kind of rivalry.

Merino’s composed finish in stoppage time at least relieved a tumultuous back-and-forth 90 minutes of control – not the first time the Arsenal forward has been in the clutch to settle a big game.

The inquiry will begin in Portugal: was Ronaldo the right man to lead this young, vibrant and exciting group of Portuguese players? Was their campaign sacrificed to give their aging talisman its last hurrah? Probably.

The grim look on his face and brief wave of recognition to the fans showed that this was not the desired end, and yet, to most other observers, it always seemed the most likely.

Martinez resigned

Roberto Martinez Speaking after the loss to Spain:

“I came to Portugal to win the World Cup and I think there’s no point in continuing if I don’t win it.

“The board and the president now have the opportunity to choose a new manager… My contract ends today. Not much else to say.

“Yes, this is my last game for the national team. I am very proud. I felt very warmly welcomed as another Portuguese person. It is a joy, a source of pride and a responsibility.”

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