World Cup highlights: USA bow out as last hosts standing as Merino sends Spain through

World Cup highlights

The USA bowed out of the World Cup with a humbling defeat to Belgium, whilst Spain saw off rivals Portugal as we near the quarter-final stage of this thrilling tournament.

World Cup highlights

Day 26 of the FIFA World Cup delivered two dramatic Round of 16 matches as Belgium and Spain secured their places in the quarter-finals.

 Belgium produced one of the standout performances of the knockout stage by defeating co-hosts USA 4-1 in Seattle. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half before Hans Vanaken added a superb long-range effort and Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory late on.

Although Malik Tillman gave the USA hope with a stunning free-kick and became only the second player in World Cup history to score two direct free-kicks in a single tournament, it was not enough to prevent the Americans from exiting the competition.

In Dallas, Spain edged Portugal 1-0 in a tightly contested Iberian derby. Spain dominated possession and extended their impressive defensive record to five consecutive World Cup matches without conceding a goal. Teenage star Lamine Yamal once again impressed with his creativity  while Portugal defended resolutely for most of the match. Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 90th minute when substitute Mikel Merino fired home the winning goal. His late strike punished Portugal’s resistance and sent La Roja into the last eight.

Spain’s disciplined defence, midfield control and squad depth proved decisive, View match stats, setting up an exciting last-eight clash against Belgium. Football fans can now look forward to another high-quality encounter as both nations continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.

Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as his international career drew to a close following Portugal’s World Cup elimination by Spain. sending the European Champions through to the quarter-finals. 

The result marks the end of the road for both Ronaldo and head coach Roberto Martinez, who announced he would step down from his role after the tournament. The 41-year-old was unable to inspire his side to overcome Luis de la Fuente’s Spain.