World Cup: Ex-Dortmund midfielder sends Spain through with late winner against Portugal | OneFootball

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino sends Spain to the next round with a 91st-minute striker against Portugal. The only goal of the cagey affair came when Ferran Torres played a measured through pass to fellow substitute Merino.

The Arsenal all-rounder had a difficult season due to a long-term injury, but he added yet another clutch moment to his collection, which includes a goal that knocked Germany out from their home European Championship a couple of summers ago. 

Merino signed for Dortmund from Osasuna a decade ago, but he has only played nine scoreless games before joining Newcastle United on an initial loan deal, which later turned to permanent with the German side eventually making a profit from their investment a couple of years ago.

The first-half saw the better chances as Diogo Costa made a great double save from Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena moments after Mikel Oyarzabal's poor finishing. Nuno Mendes hit the crossbar with a deflected effort at the other end. 

Chances were few and far between after the break until the 30-year-old stunned Portugal with a clinical finish. Former Bayer Leverkusen fullback Alejandro Grimaldo is still waiting for his World Cup debut. Atlétic Madrid’ new signing has featured twice when Spain won the Euros in 2024.

Having already confirmed this will be his last international tournament, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet night in what was another early exit for Portugal. Former Bundesliga loanees Renato Veiga and Joao Cancelo featured for Roberto Martinez's side. The 2010 champions will face the winners of the USA and Belgium in their first quarter-final appearance since their maiden triumph.