Spain edged Portugal 1–0 in a World Cup knockout tie dominated by the visitors' control and clinical finishing. Mikel Merino's goal proved decisive as Spain maintained 55 per cent possession and created a superior attacking threat, generating 1.69 xG from 15 shots, of which six found the target. Portugal, deployed in a matching 4–2–3–1 shape, struggled to impose themselves despite 45 per cent possession, managing just 0.63 xG from ten attempts with only two on target. Spain's goalkeeper was flawless, saving at 100 per cent from two shots faced, whilst Portugal's keeper made 83.33 per cent of saves from six efforts, denying Spain further goals but ultimately unable to prevent Merino's breakthrough. The underlying metrics—Spain's shot volume and xG advantage—reflected their superior control throughout, with Portugal unable to convert limited opportunities into a result that might have forced extra time. Spain progresses to the quarter-finals with a composed, efficient performance.