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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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 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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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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A first half brace from Troy Parrott powered Ireland to a vital victory over Portugal to keep their dreams of World Cup qualification alive. Cristiano Ronaldo received his first red card at international level for a petulant elbow on Dara O’Shea in the second half as Ireland defended heroically to secure the three points. Portugal knew a win would secure their place at the finals but they must now seal their place on Sunday against Armenia.
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