FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
In the quarterfinals, Spain will face the winner of the USA-Belgium match that plays after midnight...
Spain narrowly won the 'Iberian' derby against Ronaldo's Portugal, securing a place in the World Cup quarter-finals. The match was a game of chess until the final minutes, with both teams showing on the pitch that they had studied their opponents.
The first half ended 0-0, despite several clear chances. For Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo took a chance in the 12th minute, but Unai Simon saved his shot. In the 37th minute, the Spanish goalkeeper first stopped a header from Joao Felix and then another attempt by Ronaldo from close range. Nuno Mendes also had a very good chance in the 41st minute, when his shot was deflected off the post.
Spain also had good chances to take the lead. Mikel Oyarzabal took a chance in the third minute, while Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena tested goalkeeper Diogo Costa several times. The best chance for the Spaniards came in the 31st minute, when Dani Olmo missed a golden opportunity with a header from inside the area.
The second half saw the tempo remain high. Portugal came close to scoring through Cristiano Ronaldo in the 59th minute, but his shot was saved by Unai Simon. Spain, on the other hand, continued to press, with Alex Baena and Lamine Yamal creating several dangerous chances, but Diogo Costa reacted confidently to keep the goal intact.
In the 56th minute, Portugal were forced to make a forced substitution as Nuno Mendes was forced off with an injury and replaced by Nelson Semedo. Later, coach Roberto Martinez brought on Rafael Leaon and Diogo Dalot to give the team more energy.
As the minutes passed, the teams began to feel fatigue and it seemed as if the players agreed that the match would go to extra time. But Mikel Merino had other plans. In the 90+1 minute, after an assist from Ferran Torres, Merino beat the Portuguese goalkeeper and sent Spain into a 0-1 lead. Although 8 minutes of extra time were given, Portugal failed to score an equalizer, definitively ending Cristiano Ronaldo's journey in the World Cup. In the quarter-finals, Spain will face the winner of the USA-Belgium pair that plays after midnight.
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