7M - Portugal 0-1 Spain: World Cup 2026: La Roja dominate second half, advance to quarter-finals

Spain kept their World Cup 2026 campaign rolling on Monday, edging past Iberian neighbours Portugal 1-0 in a tense Round of 16 showdown in Dallas to secure a spot in the last eight. The first half was an entertaining, end-to-end affair, but La Roja seized control after the restart and made their dominance count deep into stoppage time, when Mikel Merino headed home from Ferran Torres' delivery. The victory sets up a quarter-final meeting with either the USA or Belgium on Friday.

The opening 45 minutes served up a thrilling exchange between two skilful outfits, but the second period laid bare the gulf between Spain's collective identity and Portugal's reliance on individual brilliance. Luis de la Fuente's men were simply a cut above after the interval, and their late winner was fully merited after they dictated play across all departments.

The individual battle between Nuno Mendes and Lamine Yamal was a captivating subplot, with both players enjoying their own moments of success. It was a genuine pity, however, that the contest was cut short when Mendes hobbled off with an injury just 55 minutes in.

Yamal's display was by no means flawless, yet he remained a persistent threat and served as a creative hub for much of Spain's attacking play. Had his team-mates been sharper in front of goal, he could have walked away with at least one assist to his name.

Luis de la Fuente may not be the most popular figure among Barcelona supporters, but his fingerprints were all over this victory. Two timely changes—introducing Ferran Torres and Mikel Merino—shifted the momentum and ultimately decided the tie. Like it or not, the man knows how to manage a game.

And while we're on the subject of Torres, it's high time the criticism made way for credit. Thrown on from the bench, he hounded the Portugal backline with relentless movement both on and off the ball, and his pinpoint cross for Merino's decisive header was a moment of genuine class. The former Manchester City man remains criminally undervalued, even by those who should know better.

Spain march on as thoroughly deserving victors. Having outclassed Austria in the previous round, they produced another commanding display here, particularly after the break. If they can replicate this level against the USA or Belgium on Friday, there's every reason to believe they could push past France in a potential semi-final showdown.