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Spain player ratings vs Portugal: Mikel Merino proves the ultimate game-changer as Arsenal ace delivers late winner to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. from World Cup last 16

Substitute Mikel Merino struck a dramatic late goal as Spain edged past Portugal 1-0 in a surprisingly sluggish FIFA World Cup round-of-16 encounter on Monday. The Arsenal midfielder, brought on in the 85th minute, sealed the victory in the 91st minute with a precise finish that Spain just about merited. Despite long periods of uninspired play, Merino’s intervention proved decisive for La Roja.

Spain looked sharper in the early stages. Mikel Oyarzabal had the best chance, firing wide after breaking clear on goal. Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena forced Diogo Costa into an excellent double save soon after with a pair of curling shots. Beyond that, Spain’s attack was largely neutralised by a well-organised Portuguese defence. Yamal was effectively marked out of the game, and Spain struggled for inspiration with their creative outlet subdued.

At the other end, Spain’s backline stood firm, keeping Portugal and the ever-dangerous Cristiano Ronaldo at arm’s length. The second half lacked intensity, with Spain dominating possession but failing to create much. Yamal worked hard without reward, while Baena couldn’t stamp his authority on proceedings.

The decisive moment arrived following a tactical tweak by Luis de la Fuente, who introduced Ferran Torres and Merino from the bench. The duo combined brilliantly, with Torres flicking the ball into Merino’s path, allowing the midfielder to slot past the stranded Costa before sprinting away in jubilation. Merino has quietly earned a reputation as Spain’s ultimate super-sub. For Ronaldo, this match likely marked his final World Cup appearance, with participation at Euro 2028 appearing increasingly improbable.

It was far from a classic, but Spain will care little. The result was what mattered most as they booked their place in the quarter-finals.

GOAL presents Spain’s player ratings from Dallas Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Unai Simon (7/10): Hardly tested but did his job when required, making a couple of routine saves and distributing confidently.

Pedro Porro (8/10): An excellent showing at right-back. Managed Nuno Mendes comfortably and contributed well both defensively and offensively.

Pau Cubarsi (7/10): Displayed composure on the ball with several incisive forward passes. Kept Ronaldo largely contained.

Aymeric Laporte (6/10): A steady if unspectacular display. Organised the backline well but may struggle against quicker forwards.

Marc Cucurella (7/10): Provided width, maintained possession effectively, and gave Pedro Neto little opportunity to threaten.

Midfield

Pedri (6/10): Put in 85 workmanlike minutes. Covered ground tirelessly but never really dictated the tempo.

Rodri (8/10): A commanding presence in midfield. Broke up play efficiently and ensured Portugal couldn’t progress centrally.

Dani Olmo (5/10): Struggled for space. Managed to create a couple of openings but failed to exert consistent influence.

Attack

Lamine Yamal (6/10): A mixed display. Tested Costa with a smart strike and showed flashes of skill but hasn’t yet found his rhythm on the big stage.

Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10): Missed a golden opportunity in the first half and never truly recovered his confidence afterward.

Alex Baena (5/10): Produced a few lively moments but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Portugal’s defence. Missed the spark that Nico Williams usually provides.

Substitutes & Manager

Ferran Torres (8/10): Injected much-needed energy after coming on. Made intelligent runs and delivered the vital assist for the winner.

Fabian Ruiz (N/A): Brought on to add legs in midfield but had little time to make an impression.

Mikel Merino (8/10): Scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. Spain’s super-sub strikes again.

Borja Iglesias (N/A): Introduced too late to influence proceedings.

Luis de la Fuente (8/10): Set his team up as expected, though attacking play was lacklustre for much of the match. His substitutions proved inspired, however, as Spain grabbed a late, opportunistic winner to advance.