Mikel Merino’s 91st-minute winner at the Dallas Stadium did more than send Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals – it ended the international career of Cristiano Ronaldo and sparked a brutal assessment from his former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo, 41, had announced before the match that this would be his last World Cup. ‘Let this be my last World Cup; it is my last World Cup, and I hope tomorrow won’t be my last match,’ he said. He started all five of Portugal’s matches in North America, scoring three goals – two in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan and one penalty against Croatia in the round of 16. But Monday’s defeat in Texas meant his World Cup dream ended with him in tears at full-time.
“Spain's record defence ends Ronaldo's World Cup career; Rooney says Portugal players lack Messi-like devotion.”
Rooney, working for the BBC during the tournament, contrasted Ronaldo’s relationship with his Portugal team-mates to that of Lionel Messi and Argentina. ‘You always put Ronaldo and Messi together because they are two of the best players the game has ever seen,’ Rooney said. ‘But the Argentinian lads seem like they’re all there for Messi. They’re all behind him. Messi has obviously been fantastic at this World Cup. I don’t get that vibe from the Portuguese players.’
Spain’s victory was built on a defence that has now set a new World Cup record. Luis de la Fuente’s side are the only team yet to concede at the tournament after co-hosts Mexico shipped three against England in the last 16. They have kept clean sheets in six consecutive matches, breaking the previous mark held by Italy (1990) and Switzerland (2006-10). Goalkeeper Unai Simon extended his record without conceding to 609 minutes.
‘This is the result and fruits of collective work – great defensive solidity of course,’ said De la Fuente after the win. ‘There is solidarity, effort, sacrifice and everybody runs for one another. Every football idea is present very clearly, but what is beautiful is the attitude these footballers show, they are committed to the cause.’
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague added: ‘This team knows how to compete. It is a group that is committed, they all think the same way.’
Spain now stand three wins from a second World Cup triumph, having last won in 2010. They face Portugal again in the quarter-finals – just as they did in Cape Town 16 years ago, when they won 1-0 en route to the title. Then, they dazzled with tiki-taka and the midfield brilliance of Xavi and Iniesta. Now, if they are to get their hands on the trophy in New Jersey on 19 July, they may have their defence to thank.