Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end after Portugal was eliminated by Spain in the Round of 16. Spain claimed a dramatic 1–0 victory thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino, sending La Roja into the quarter-finals. The final whistle was filled with emotion as Ronaldo left the pitch in tears, marking what is widely expected to be his last World Cup appearance with Portugal.