arts
Mikel Merino’s late goal sends Spain to quarterfinals and ends Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career
By Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — 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 a Portugal player argued, Merino played the
Key takeaway Spain advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since winning its only World Cup title in 2010 in South Africa.
Why this matters in The Miami
For Miami 's large Portuguese community, particularly in Little Havana and other neighborhoods with strong Latin American ties, Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career coming to an end may be met with a mix of sadness and appreciation for his achievements. Ronaldo's on-field accomplishments have made him a beloved figure among many in South Florida, and his departure from the international stage will likely be felt by fans who have followed his career. Meanwhile, Spain's advancement to the quarterfinals may generate interest among the city's Spanish-speaking population, potentially leading to lively discussions and gatherings in local cafes and restaurants, especially if they face the United States in the next round. As the World Cup continues, Miami's diverse communities will likely remain engaged, reflecting the city's strong connections to Latin American and Caribbean cultures.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami 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 WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — 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 a Portugal player argued, Merino played the
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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