Spain has advanced to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals following a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in stoppage time of the second half, sending Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo out of the tournament.
Ronaldo's participation in his fifth World Cup concludes with him having scored three goals on the World Cup stage. Spain, who has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, will await the winner of the Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium.
The upcoming match between the U.S. and Belgium is also generating significant attention due to a disciplinary decision regarding U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA overturned Balogun's red card, allowing him to play against Belgium after rejecting an appeal from the Royal Belgian Football Association. This decision has reportedly caused outrage among some soccer federations.
Reports indicate that President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card Balogun received during the U.S. team's Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code in its decision.
Despite Balogun's red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. secured a 2-0 victory with a late goal from Malik Tillman, advancing to face Belgium. The Belgian team also had a close call in their Round of 32 match, coming back from a 2-0 deficit against Senegal to win in extra time thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans, who also scored the winning penalty.
Spain's victory over Portugal sets them up for a quarterfinal match later in the week against the winner of the U.S.-Belgium game. The U.S. and Belgium are scheduled to play their Round of 16 match in Seattle on Monday night.