Spain ended Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16. Substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute, assisted by fellow substitute Ferran Torres. The match was a tight affair, with both sides missing opportunities earlier in the game, including efforts from Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal and Portugal's Ronaldo himself.

Ronaldo's final World Cup appearance saw him register just 19 touches, the lowest of his career in a first half of a World Cup match. Despite playing extensive minutes throughout the tournament, he managed only one goal, a penalty. Portugal generated a meager 0.58 expected goals from 10 shots, and coach Roberto Martinez's decision to keep backup Gonçalo Ramos on the bench was questioned.

The win propels Spain into the quarterfinals, where they will face either the United States or Belgium. For Portugal and Ronaldo, this marks a disappointing end to their World Cup campaign. Martinez's tenure, while including a Nations League title, will likely be defined by this risk with Ronaldo and its ultimate failure to yield a World Cup triumph.