Spain to quarterfinals after win to Portugal

 So sad to Ronaldo victory after loss to Spain to the World Cup round of 16

Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner to put Spain in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career on Monday.

Now Spain are through to the Quarter-Finals for the first time since 201.

In front of an expectant crowd of 70 649 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys, a match that on paper promised so much failed to deliver.

Extra time looked certain, before fellow substitute Ferran Torres slipped in Merino to settle the contest in the first minute of injury time.

It meant a sour final World Cup match for the 41-year-old Ronaldo, who looked like he was choking back tears at the end.

Spain captain Rodri praised the "maturity" of his side.

"If anyone thinks that we will move forward without suffering, they are mistaken," he said.

"We knew we had to wait for the right moment and it came, even if they also had chances to win the game," added the Manchester City midfielder.

Heaping praise on match-winner Merino, who had only been on the pitch six minutes, Rodri said: "He's a sensational player... one that I love.