Spain stuns Portugal with stoppage-time goal to reach World Cup quarterfinals

Spain is headed to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino.

The match appeared destined for extra time until the 91st minute, when Merino finished off a passing sequence from Rodri and Ferran Torres to score the game's only goal and send Spain into the final eight.

Spain will now face the winner of the United States-Belgium match in the quarterfinals.

Both teams created scoring opportunities throughout the match but struggled to capitalize. Spain came close in the opening half through Mikel Oyarzabal and rising star Lamine Yamal, while Portugal's best early chance came when Nuno Mendes struck the crossbar.

Portugal nearly equalized in the closing moments, but Bernardo Silva's header sailed over the crossbar.

The loss could mark the end of an era for Portugal. At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo completed his sixth FIFA World Cup and is unlikely to return for another tournament four years from now. Following the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo applauded Portugal's supporters as he left the field with tears in his eyes.

CNN Newsource reports Spain's victory sends La Roja one step closer to another World Cup title while leaving questions about the future of one of soccer's greatest players.