Merino strikes at the death for Spain to send Portugal packing

Mikel Merino came off the bench to score an injury-time winner for Spain as they knocked Portugal – and Cristiano Ronaldo – out of the World Cup in a heavyweight last-16 tie in Dallas. Spain had failed to create clear-cut openings in a poor second half before Ferran Torres played in the Arsenal midfielder, who slotted low past goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 91st minute.

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Portugal survive late drama to edge past Croatia

Goncalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner and Josko Gvardiol had an equaliser controversially disallowed as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a thrilling World Cup last-32 contest in Toronto. Cristiano Ronaldo’s first World Cup knockout goal had cancelled out Ivan Perisic’s opener in a contest that saw four efforts ruled out for offside, including what would have been a goal of the tournament contender for the 41-year-old Ronaldo.

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Colombia take top spot after stalemate with Portugal

Colombia had a late goal controversially ruled out for offside but they still topped Group K at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Miami. The South Americans appeared to have won a thrilling game in the 90th minute when Davinson Sanchez headed home, but he was denied by the verdict of the assistant referee – having been offside by a fraction.

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Wissa header sees DR Congo earn deserved draw against Portugal

Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa scored the equaliser as the DR Congo frustrated Portugal at the start of Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup campaign. Wissa put aside the frustration of his injury-hit first season on Tyneside as he headed home to secure a 1-1 draw under a closed roof at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Joao Neves had put Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites, ahead after just six minutes but they were unable to build on their strong start as DR Congo fought back in the Group K opener.

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Marco Silva leaves Fulham amid links to Benfica

Fulham have announced that Marco Silva is leaving after five years as their head coach. The Portuguese is wanted by Benfica, who are poised to lose José Mourinho to Real Madrid. Silva departs having led Fulham to 11th in the Premier League for the second successive season, the fourth time the club have finished mid-table since winning promotion in Silva’s first campaign.

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