"Ended Ronaldo’s international career": Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup dream ends as Mikel Merino sparks emotional fan reaction

Cristiano Ronaldo's bid to win the FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak as Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late winner for Spain. The substitute scored deep into stoppage time to seal a 1-0 Round of 16 win in Dallas and send Spain through to the quarterfinals.

Portugal were left to face another painful exit. The outcome also provoked a huge reaction online with supporters hailing Merino for his ability to deliver in clutch moments.

Mikel Merino's late goal sends Spain into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals

Portugal's disciplined defence kept the score level, despite Spain dominating possession and tempo for much of the evening. In the final minutes, Luis de la Fuente tried to change the course of the game with Merino, who came on for Dani Olmo in the 85th minute.The move paid off almost immediately. Six minutes later, Merino latched onto a clever quick free kick before calmly finishing past Diogo Costa to break the deadlock. His goal secured Spain's place in the last eight and continued his reputation as a player who delivers when the stakes are highest.Quickly it became one of the biggest talking points of the night, the decisive strike. Supporters took to social media over the incident with many praising Merino's composure and others reflecting on what could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last appearance at a major international tournament.

Among the posts shared online were: "Anyone who saw merino come on knew he was scoring icl. Guy is stupidly clutch"Another fan wrote: "Football is such a cruel sport. A bum like Mikel Merino are ended Ronaldo’s international career."Other supporters described him as the player who "retired" another football legend after previously playing a decisive role against Toni Kroos, while several Arsenal fans celebrated yet another crucial contribution from the midfielder.

Wayne Rooney questions Portugal's approach to Cristiano Ronaldo

While Merino received the headlines, former England captain Wayne Rooney focused on Portugal's attacking approach, believing Ronaldo was not given the service needed to influence the match.Speaking during BBC's halftime coverage, Rooney criticised Bruno Fernandes and Portugal's decision-making around the penalty area."If you are playing Cristiano Ronaldo, you have to USE HIM! The ball could have been put in the box here, from Bruno Fernandes. But they REFUSE to put it in. If you play him, you have to USE HIM! At set pieces he is still a MASSIVE THREAT for Portugal! Don't play him the ball 30 yards from the goal, that's not his strength anymore. Get to him into the penalty area where he is still EFFECTIVE!"Ronaldo completed the full 90 minutes and managed two shots on target while creating one chance, but Spain's defence kept him from making the decisive impact Portugal desperately needed. As the final whistle blew, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was seen in tears, with uncertainty now surrounding whether he has played his final match for the national team.