{"id":2993,"date":"2026-07-06T21:08:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T21:08:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kcpredict.com\/blog\/?p=2993"},"modified":"2026-07-06T21:08:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T21:08:43","slug":"merino-sends-spain-into-quarterfinals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kcpredict.com\/blog\/2026\/07\/06\/merino-sends-spain-into-quarterfinals\/","title":{"rendered":"Merino Sends Spain Into Quarterfinals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Merino<\/p>\n

Late Strike Ends Ronaldo’s World Cup Journey<\/b><\/h2>\n

Spain edged past Portugal 1-0 in Dallas, courtesy of a stoppage time winner from Mikel Merino. Ferran Torres set up the decisive moment, with Merino sliding past the defense to beat Diogo Costa. The result sends La Roja through to the quarterfinals for the first time since their triumphant 2010 campaign.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the contest, Spain dominated possession and created the sharper chances. Still, Portugal’s disciplined defensive block held firm for long stretches, frustrating Luis de la Fuente’s side until the final minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing in what he confirmed beforehand would be his last World Cup, watched his final tournament end in heartbreak.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 41 years old, Ronaldo leaves the stage after six World Cup appearances, an extraordinary run few players will ever match. Despite his brilliance across two decades, the elusive trophy never arrived. Now, Portugal’s golden generation must plan a future without him entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Historic Defense Fuels Spain’s Run<\/b><\/h2>\n

Beyond the result itself, Spain’s defensive record continues rewriting history books. The team became the first in men’s World Cup history to record six consecutive clean sheets, a testament to their remarkable balance between attacking flair and structural discipline.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, Spain will face either the United States or Belgium, who met later the same night in Seattle. Whichever side emerges, they’ll encounter a Spanish team playing with genuine title winning confidence. Rodri and Pedri controlled midfield tempo brilliantly against Portugal, while young star Lamine Yamal continues terrorizing defenders weeks before turning nineteen.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more World Cup coverage and predictions, visit<\/span> KCPredict<\/span><\/a>, and further match details appear via<\/span> ESPN<\/span><\/a>. Spain’s pursuit of a second world title marches confidently forward.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Late Strike Ends Ronaldo’s World Cup Journey Spain edged past Portugal 1-0 in Dallas, courtesy of a stoppage time winner…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wpepp_content_lock_enabled":"","_wpepp_content_lock_action":"","_wpepp_content_lock_header":"","_wpepp_content_lock_redirect":"","_wpepp_content_lock_expiry":"","_wpepp_content_lock_show_excerpt":"","_wpepp_content_lock_excerpt_text":"","_wpepp_conditional_display_enable":"no","_wpepp_conditional_control_title":"no","_wpepp_conditional_device_type":"","_wpepp_conditional_time_start":"","_wpepp_conditional_time_end":"","_wpepp_conditional_date_start":"","_wpepp_conditional_date_end":"","_wpepp_conditional_recurring_time_start":"","_wpepp_conditional_recurring_time_end":"","_wpepp_conditional_url_parameter_key":"","_wpepp_conditional_url_parameter_value":"","_wpepp_conditional_referrer_source":"","_wpepp_conditional_display_condition":"user_logged_out","_wpepp_conditional_action":"hide","_wpepp_conditional_control_featured_image":"yes","_wpepp_conditional_control_comments":"yes","_wpepp_conditional_notice_enable":"yes","_wpepp_content_lock_message":"","_wpepp_conditional_notice_text":"This 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