The match remained a tactical stalemate for the duration of the regulation time. Spain controlled possession, yet struggled to break through a resilient Portuguese defense. Mikel Oyarzabal had the clearest opportunity to open the scoring earlier in the contest, but his one-on-one effort against goalkeeper Diogo Costa failed to find the target. The momentum shifted slightly in the second half, particularly after left-back Nuno Mendes left the pitch due to an injury.
Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente altered the game’s trajectory in the 84th minute by introducing fresh legs, including Merino and Ferran Torres. The tactical gamble paid off in stoppage time. Following a quick restart after a foul, Torres threaded a pass back to Merino, who clinically beat Costa to seal the result. Spain now turns its attention to the upcoming quarter-final fixture scheduled for 10 July.
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