Someone in the stands held up a poster: on one side, a photo of Ronaldo labeled “The Legend”; on the other, Lamine Yamal in red letters as “The Future.” The result told the same story — the future advanced, and the legend departed. A day earlier, the World Cup had witnessed Neymar’s tears. This time it was Ronaldo’s turn. Smiling through fresh dreams, Yamal’s Spain booked a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, ending Portugal’s campaign in the round of 16.
Mikel Merino scored the winning goal in the 91st minute in Dallas, finding space intelligently off a pass from Fernando Torres following a free kick.
With six minutes left, Portugal pushed desperately for an equalizer and nearly found one — but Bruno Fernandes’ header sailed just over Spain’s crossbar, sinking Portugal’s World Cup hopes.
Ronaldo left the pitch holding back his emotions but could not hide his tears. He has played in six World Cups and scored in every one of them, yet his dream of lifting the trophy remains unfulfilled.
Portugal heads home, while Spain will face Belgium in the quarter-finals.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report