FIFA World Cup 2026-Spain edge out Portugal in a tactical battle , Belgium thrash USA 4-1

 


Spain edged out Portugal in a tactical contest, as Ronaldo bids adieu to World cup for final time while careless USA was punished by a ruthless Belgium for a spot in the quarter-finals 

Spain 1–0 Portugal

The much-anticipated Iberian derby at Dallas Stadium produced a tense tactical battle, with Spain eventually edging Portugal 1–0 thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner. The victory carried Spain into the quarter-finals and brought an emotional end to the FIFA World Cup career of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who had announced before the tournament that this would be his final World Cup. 


Spain controlled possession for long periods, particularly in the second half, but Portugal's disciplined defensive organisation and the outstanding goalkeeping of Diogo Costa repeatedly frustrated the European champions. Mikel Oyarzabal missed Spain's best first-half opportunity, while Costa produced fine saves to deny Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena. Portugal threatened on the counterattack through Ronaldo and Pedro Neto, with Unai Simón making a crucial save to keep Ronaldo off the scoresheet. 


Just when extra time appeared inevitable, Spain produced the decisive moment in the 91st minute. Substitute Ferran Torres slipped a perfectly weighted pass behind the Portuguese defence, and fellow substitute Mikel Merino, who had been on the pitch for only six minutes, timed his run brilliantly before drilling a composed right-footed finish beyond Diogo Costa. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players while Portugal were left stunned. 


Portugal threw everyone forward in the closing moments. Bernardo Silva came agonisingly close to forcing extra time, but his header sailed over the crossbar. Moments later the final whistle confirmed Spain's hard-earned victory. Spain advanced to the quarter-finals without conceding a goal in the knockout stage, while Ronaldo left the field to a standing ovation after bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest World Cup careers in football history. 


Goal

Spain 1–0: Mikel Merino (90+1'). 


Belgium 4–1 United States

Belgium produced a ruthless attacking display to eliminate co-hosts United States with a convincing 4–1 victory in Seattle and book their place in the quarter-finals against Spain. Despite passionate home support at Lumen Field, the Americans were punished repeatedly for costly defensive mistakes as Belgium's experience proved decisive. 


Belgium made the perfect start in the 9th minute. A defensive lapse allowed Charles De Ketelaere to seize possession inside the penalty area before calmly firing past goalkeeper Matt Freese to give the Red Devils an early lead. The United States responded positively and found an equaliser in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman curled a magnificent free-kick over the wall and into the top corner, sending the home crowd into celebration. The joy lasted only two minutes. In the 33rd minute, another American defensive error allowed De Ketelaere to pounce again, and the Belgian forward clinically restored his side's advantage with his second goal of the evening. 


The second half belonged entirely to Belgium. In the 57th minute, captain Hans Vanaken took advantage of another mistake at the back, collecting a loose ball before placing a precise finish into the bottom corner to make it 3–1. The United States continued to attack but left gaps in defence, and Belgium comfortably absorbed the pressure. Deep into stoppage time, Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring by racing onto a through ball and finishing confidently beyond Freese in the 90+3rd minute, sealing an emphatic victory. 


Belgium's clinical finishing contrasted sharply with the Americans' defensive fragility. Charles De Ketelaere was deservedly named Player of the Match after scoring twice and creating constant problems for the United States backline. Belgium advanced confidently to a quarter-final showdown with Spain, while the USA's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment on home soil. 


Goals

Belgium 1–0: Charles De Ketelaere (9')

USA 1–1: Malik Tillman (31')

Belgium 2–1: Charles De Ketelaere (33')

Belgium 3–1: Hans Vanaken (57')

Belgium 4–1: Romelu Lukaku (90+3') 


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