Mikel Merino's late goal sends Spain into quarterfinals, ends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career

Arlington, Texas: Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, and Spain beat Portugal 1-0 on Monday to end the World Cup career of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Merino had just been fouled. While Portugal's Bernardo Silva argued with the referee, play resumed and Merino played the ball back in, ran towards goal and beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa after taking a pass from Ferran Torres.

The defeat brought an end to Ronaldo's World Cup career. Portugal had been aiming to reach the quarterfinals in consecutive tournaments for the first time, but the all-time leader in international goals (146) and appearances (233) bowed out on football's biggest stage.

Spain advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning its only World Cup title in 2010. La Roja will play either the United States or Belgium on Friday in Inglewood, California.

Merino didn't enter until the 85th minute, and his heads-up play showed some of the versatility that helped Arsenal win its first Premier League title in more than 20 years this spring. He had been doubtful for Spain's squad because of injuries that also affected his Premier League season.

The latest meeting of Iberian Peninsula rivals that first played in a friendly in Madrid 105 years ago was quite the contrast to their most recent World Cup match.

It was eight years ago that Ronaldo had his only World Cup hat trick in a 3-3 draw with Spain in a group stage opener that is considered one of the tournament's best games.

The 41-year-old superstar scored three times in this tournament, but didn't have many chances against Spain's Unai Simón, who extended his World Cup record to 609 minutes without conceding a goal. Spain became the first team to record six straight shutouts at the World Cup.

Ronaldo's best chance came in the 37th minute when Joao Felix's header deflected off Simón's left shoulder and popped into the air. Ronaldo flicked the ball with his right foot, but it was soft enough to give Simón time to recover and make a leaping grab.

Portugal desperately pushed for an equaliser in the final eight minutes of stoppage time. Silva had a header that went just over the top of the net.

The defensive struggle came just two days shy of a year since Portugal beat Spain in a riveting UEFA Nations League final that went to penalty kicks following a 2-2 draw.

The other World Cup meeting was Spain's 1-0 victory when La Roja won the title in South Africa.