Merino fires Spain past Portugal, Belgium up next

Merino's late strike sends Spain through

Mikel Merino. A late goal, a 1–0 win over Portugal, and Spain are into the World Cup quarter-finals (1). Your team held their nerve in the round of 16 and found the breakthrough when it mattered. The defending was immaculate, that is now 609 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding.

Belgium await in the quarter-finals

Belgium dismantled the USA 4–1, with goals from De Ketelaere, Vanaken, and Lukaku (5) (12). Pochettino did not hide from it: "It wasn't our day. Belgium were better than us" (5). Spain face the Red Devils on Friday evening (3).

Ronaldo says goodbye

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed it after the final whistle: "The truth is, it was my last" World Cup (2) (6) (7). He left the pitch in tears. The record is monumental, but Merino's goal closed the book.

Martinez resigns immediately

Portugal's head coach Roberto Martinez stepped down right after the defeat. "There is no reason to continue," he said (4) (6). The Portugal project ends where Spain's continues.

Real Madrid circling Merino

The match-winner is already attracting attention. Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Mikel Merino after his decisive goal against Portugal (8).

Fan reactions

Spain fans are celebrating the defensive record, 609 minutes without conceding, a new all-time World Cup mark. The buildup to Merino's goal is being shared and analysed obsessively online. Across the aisle, the Ronaldo tributes are pouring in, especially from Madridistas who watched their legend walk off in tears for the last time. See the goal buildup here.