local
Mikel Merino's late goal sends Spain to quarterfinals and ends Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career
By Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, and Spain beat Portugal 1-0 on Monday to end the World Cup career of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.Merino had just been knocked down, and a foul was called. While Portugal's Bernardo Silva argued, Merino played the ball back in, ...
Key takeaway Merino didn't enter until the 85th minute, and his heads-up play showed some of the versatility that helped Arsenal win its first Premier League title in more than 20 years this spring.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
For soccer fans in Magnolia , the World Cup match between Spain and Portugal was a thrilling conclusion to a legendary career. Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the international stage marks the end of an era, and locals who gathered to watch the game at area sports bars and restaurants were likely on the edge of their seats as the clock ticked down. The fact that Spain will move on to the quarterfinals, potentially facing the United States, adds an extra layer of interest for local fans who may have friends or family members with ties to either team. As the tournament continues, Magnolia residents can expect to see plenty of excitement and discussion around town, with many likely to tune in to Friday's match to see how Spain fares against its next opponent.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Mikel Merino scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, and Spain beat Portugal 1-0 on Monday to end the World Cup career of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.Merino had just been knocked down, and a foul was called. While Portugal's Bernardo Silva argued, Merino played the ball back in, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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