VIDEO: Lamine Yamal consoles Cristiano Ronaldo after World Cup exit | OneFootball

Spain came out narrowly on top of Portugal on Monday night, nicking victory in their Round of 16 tie in the 91st minute courtesy of Mikel Merino. The result secured Spain’s passage to the quarter-finals, but brought the curtain down on Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career with Portugal.

Manager Roberto Martinez confirmed that he would not be continuing in the position, but all of the focus after the match was on Ronaldo, who endured a disappointing end, as his side failed to put La Roja under pressure in the closing stages. The 41-year-old retires as the top scorer in the history of the international game, with 146 goals in 233 appearances.

Lamine Yamal consoles Cristiano Ronaldo after Spain win

Following Spain’s win, Ronaldo could not hold back the tears as his final World Cup faded beyond the horizon. A number of Spain players came across to console Ronaldo, including Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, in an image that will no doubt remain with people through the years.

Spain to face Belgium in quarter-finals

After Belgium dispatched hosts USA 4-1 in Seattle following Spain’s win, the two sides will meet in the final eight in Los Angeles. La Roja will no doubt go into the match as heavy favourites, even if Belgium put in their best performance of the competition to knock out the States. A place in the semi-final awaits the winner against France or Morocco.

Lamine Yamal was again amongst Spain’s best players, but is yet to make the impact he is capable of. The 18-year-old scored Spain’s opening goal of the tournament against Saudi Arabia, but has since been unable to get on the scoresheet, or provide any assists, even if his play has often caused trouble for the opposition. Luis de la Fuente will no doubt hope that the most clinical Lamine Yamal is imminent.