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Spain is inching closer to becoming just the fourth nation in history to hold both the European Championship and World Cup titles at the same time, advancing to the quarterfinals of the latter courtesy of Mikel Merino's late match-winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Monday.
Germany (1972, 1974), France (1998, 2000) and Spain itself (2010, 2012) are the only sides to have previously lifted the World Cup as reigning European champions or the other way around. Spain reclaimed the European crown in 2024, and now awaits either the United States or Belgium for a spot in the World Cup semifinals.
In reality, this round of 16 clash promised far more than it ultimately produced. Both nations carry tremendous reputations for elite technical football, yet the danger always felt more theoretical than genuine, with the two sides largely neutralizing one another throughout.
This was not a memorable contest by any means, but there is still plenty worth discussing.
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Ronaldo Bids Goodbye to the World Cup, Portugal…Forever
Cristiano Ronaldo will be 45 years of age by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives. Even with the added motivation of Portugal being among the co-hosts for the centenary tournament, that milestone seems a bridge too far even for him.
The five-time Ballon d'Or recipient spoke in 2025 about retiring from football no later than 2027, which also coincides with the expiry of his current deal at Al Nassr. His sister, Kátia Aveiro, described this World Cup as Ronaldo's "last dance" in a Portugal jersey just last week.
Beyond winning the World Cup—which he once admitted was not truly his "dream" nor something that would define his legacy—Ronaldo has given everything for his country. Portugal had never claimed a major trophy before the CR7 era but now has three, while Ronaldo himself holds world records for both senior international caps and goals in men's football.
This feels like a fitting endpoint, perhaps aside from one final farewell celebration match back on home soil in Portugal sometime in the months ahead.
Lamine Yamal Can be Nullified
Lamine Yamal has still never tasted defeat in a Spain match in which he has featured from the start. Yet the Barcelona wonderkid was not the driving force behind the victory here.
Yamal showed plenty of menace across the 90 minutes. He registered two shots on target, both of which were saved—one in each half—and made more touches inside the opposition box (7) than any other player on the field. However, he was largely kept in check by Portugal's two left backs.
Nuno Mendes had the young winger well contained. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back refused to let Yamal get past him, except for one moment around the 52nd minute, when a subsequent recovery challenge saw Mendes overextend and pick up an injury. He was forced off, and that appeared to open the door for Yamal to cause havoc. But substitute Nelson Semedo also did enough to keep him relatively quiet.
Mikel Merino's Remarkable Impact
Merino's goals were instrumental in Spain's World Cup qualification campaign, netting six times during the qualifying rounds, level with Mikel Oyarzabal. Only four other players across the entire European qualifying section managed to outscore him.
He is not a guaranteed starter at Arsenal when everyone is fit, nor does he hold that status at Spain—as evidenced by four of his five appearances at this World Cup coming as a substitute.
Luis de la Fuente introduced Merino because the team needed a goal, and he delivered in spectacular fashion just five minutes later, showing sharp movement and remarkable composure to create and finish the opportunity. In all likelihood, Merino will return to the bench for the quarterfinal, but if Spain once again needs a spark late on, you can be sure he will be called upon again.
Why Has No Elite Club Signed Diogo Costa?
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa was exceptional at Euro 2024 and has been equally impressive this summer, including a stunning double save in the first half of this match alone. He bears no responsibility for Portugal's elimination, and his performances at this level raise the question of why no club bigger than Porto has made a genuine move for the 26-year-old.
Costa was linked with Manchester United when the Red Devils were considering replacing David de Gea back in 2023, while occasional reports of Chelsea's interest have surfaced over the years.
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With no disrespect to Porto, where he has been the undisputed No. 1 for five seasons yet won the Liga Portugal only twice as a starter, it feels as though Costa is destined for a bigger stage.
Chelsea still require a reliable goalkeeper after years of inconsistent performances from a string of different options. Liverpool may be on the verge of parting ways with Alisson, while Giorgi Mamardashvili does not yet look ready to step into that role. Could Tottenham, clearly a club with ambition, look to upgrade on Guglielmo Vicario? Paris Saint-Germain have yet to secure a long-term first-choice goalkeeper, or might Real Madrid begin planning for life after Thibaut Courtois?