Spain win it late to give Ronaldo bitter end to World Cup career

Spain captain Rodri praised the "maturity" of his side.

"If anyone thinks that we will move forward without suffering, they are mistaken," he said.

"We knew we had to wait for the right moment and it came, even if they also had chances to win the game," added the Manchester City midfielder.

Heaping praise on match-winner Merino, who had only been on the pitch six minutes, Rodri said: "He's a sensational player ... one that I love." 

Ronaldo, now playing in Saudi Arabia, confirmed on the eve of the encounter that this would be his last dance on football's biggest stage.

One of the greatest players of all time, he has refused to say when he will end his international career and was ineffective here.

The neighbours came into the contest both unbeaten, but while Portugal had not been entirely convincing, Spain had not even conceded a goal in the tournament.

One of the pre-tournament favourites, they still haven't.

For all their pedigree, talent and history, Spain have only lifted the World Cup once, in 2010, while Portugal's best was third place in 1966.

In Ronaldo and Spain's 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, the last-16 showdown was touted as a showcase of two extraordinary talents at opposite ends of their careers.

In truth neither lived up to expectations on the day.

There was a sombre moment shortly before kickoff when a black-and-white image of the late Portugal forward Diogo Jota flashed up on the giant screen that looms over the field.