Spain makes Portugal cry in the quarterfinals

Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Spain had the last laugh in a hard-fought match in the last 16. The Spanish left the field with a 1-0 victory over the Portuguese with a goal from Mikel Merino. After a tense first half and a nerve-wracking second half, Spain had the last laugh. The Spanish defeated Portugal 1-0 in the high-voltage last 16 match of the Euro Championship held in Dallas, ensuring their ticket to the last eight. Mikel Merino's winning goal in the final moment of the match made the difference between the two teams. And with this defeat, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal had to leave the tournament. The atmosphere on the field was heated from the start of the match as the two arch-rivals fought for possession of the ball, both teams kept the opponent's defense busy by attacking and competing. Within 12 minutes of the game, both teams had seven shots on and off target, which proved how aggressive the match was. Spain had a great chance to take the lead in the eighth minute of the match. Oierzabal took the ball and entered Portugal's D-box at high speed. Although only goalkeeper Diego Costa was in front of him, he failed to connect the ball with the net; his shot went around the sidebar.

Portugal escaped major danger on that journey. Portugal was not far behind in the counterattack. Immediately after the Spanish attack, a bullet-speed shot taken by Cristiano Ronaldo was blocked by Unai Simeone. The Spanish goalkeeper's skill saved Spain in exchange for a corner. Then in the 11th minute of the match, Portuguese goalkeeper Diego Costa did not let the gap increase by stopping two consecutive attacks by Spain. Portugal created their best chance in the 38th minute of the match. Joao Felix's header from the right wing was deflected by Unai Simeone, but Ronaldo made a clever tap in on the return ball. However, Unai Simeone, with the speed of a hawk, became Spain's savior again by grabbing the ball with his palm. Towards the end of the first half, a great shot by Nuno Mendes could not touch the goal post thanks to the Spanish defense. The picture in the second half was different, however. Contrary to the thrill of the first half, Portugal was cornered in front of Spain's defensive strategy in the second half. The main goal of the Portuguese was to save the goal due to Spain's momentary attacks. Just when the match was heading towards a goalless draw, Mikel Merino emerged as Spain's savior in added time after the scheduled time. His brilliant goal brought Spain to victory. After a long battle, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal had to leave the field with a heartbroken farewell.