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BREAKING: Portugal Exit 2026 World Cup as Merino’s Stoppage-Time Winner Sends Spain into Quarter-Finals

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BREAKING: Portugal Exit 2026 World Cup as Merino’s Stoppage-Time Winner Sends Spain into Quarter-Finals—-Mikel Merino struck in the first minute of stoppage time to hand Spain a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign and booking La Roja’s place in the quarter-finals.

Portugal’s hopes of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end after Mikel Merino’s late strike earned Spain a dramatic 1-0 victory in a tense Round of 16 clash at Dallas Stadium.

Just when extra time appeared inevitable, substitute Merino delivered the decisive moment in the 91st minute, calmly slotting home after being picked out by Ferran Torres to send Spain into the quarter-finals and leave Portugal devastated.

The highly anticipated Iberian derby lived up to its billing, with both sides creating opportunities in an evenly contested first half. Spain threatened through Mikel Oyarzabal and the lively Lamine Yamal, while Portugal came close through Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix and Nuno Mendes. Goalkeepers Unai Simón and Diogo Costa were both called into action as neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

After the restart, Spain gradually took control of possession, patiently probing Portugal’s defence with Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo dictating the tempo in midfield. Portugal remained disciplined at the back and looked dangerous on the counterattack, but Roberto Martínez’s side struggled to create clear-cut chances as Spain’s pressure continued to build.

The decisive moment finally arrived deep into stoppage time. Ferran Torres threaded a clever pass into the path of Merino, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes. The Arsenal midfielder kept his composure, steering a low finish beyond Diogo Costa to spark jubilant celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

Portugal threw everyone forward in a desperate search for an equaliser. Bernardo Silva came agonisingly close in the dying moments, but his header drifted over the crossbar as Spain held firm to secure a famous victory.

The defeat marked a bitter end to Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign. The 41-year-old captain, who had confirmed before the tournament that this would be his last appearance on football’s biggest stage, was unable to inspire Portugal to another comeback despite leading the line throughout the contest. As the final whistle blew, Ronaldo received a standing ovation from supporters, bringing the curtain down on one of the greatest World Cup careers in football history.

Spain, meanwhile, march confidently into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the United States and Belgium. Luis de la Fuente’s side once again demonstrated their resilience and patience, with Merino’s late heroics keeping alive their dream of lifting a second FIFA World Cup trophy.

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run—-The Gunners came from behind after Morgan Rogers’ early opener, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard completing a comeback victory to maintain Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.

Arsenal produced another statement performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds, when Morgan Rogers fired Xabi Alonso’s side into an early lead. Arsenal, however, responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest.

Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute against his former club, finishing Arsenal’s sustained pressure to make it 1-1 before the break.

The Gunners continued to dominate after the restart and completed the comeback through captain Martin Ødegaard, who struck early in the second half after Havertz’s clever movement helped create the opening.

Chelsea pushed desperately for an equaliser late on, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Estêvão and preserve all three points for the hosts.

The victory means Arsenal remain on nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffer their first league defeat of the season and remain on six points.

For Mikel Arteta, the comeback further underlined Arsenal’s championship credentials. The reigning champions showed composure after conceding their first goal of the campaign and once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.

Chelsea’s defeat will be frustrating for Alonso, particularly after his side made such a fast start. Despite their attacking threat, Arsenal’s control and defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive.

The result also extends Arsenal’s remarkable unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches across all competitions, further strengthening the Gunners’ recent dominance in the London derby.

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day—-Cityzens have reached a British record-equalling agreement with Chelsea for the Argentina international on Deadline Day, with Fernández set to undergo his medical.

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernández in one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.

The agreement, reported by Sky Sports and other leading outlets, will see the Argentina international leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium in a move that matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak.

Fernández is expected to undergo his medical before completing the transfer, with City working against the clock to finalise the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

Maresca Reunites With Fernández

The move will see Fernández reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City’s manager.

Maresca is understood to have been a major driving force behind City’s pursuit of the midfielder as he looks to reshape his squad and strengthen the centre of midfield.

Fernández played an important role during Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win major silverware before the Italian manager’s move to Manchester.

Chelsea Accept Record Fee

Chelsea signed Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £107 million, making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at the time.

Just over three years later, Chelsea have agreed to sell the 25-year-old for £125 million, representing a significant return on their original investment.

The Argentine had recently been left out of Chelsea’s squad for successive matches, increasing speculation that his Stamford Bridge future was coming to an end.

City Make Deadline-Day Statement

Manchester City had been pursuing Fernández for much of the summer, but negotiations intensified dramatically as the transfer deadline approached.

Chelsea had previously valued their midfielder at around £120 million and had initially expected him to remain at the club after an earlier deadline for bids passed without a formal offer. However, City’s interest never disappeared, and the two clubs eventually found an agreement on Deadline Day.

The final £125 million package now puts Fernández level with the British transfer record.

Fernández Begins New Chapter

For Fernández, the transfer brings an end to a turbulent period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter under a manager he already knows.

The World Cup-winning midfielder arrived in England with enormous expectations after starring for Argentina and Benfica.

At Manchester City, he will be expected to become a central figure in Maresca’s midfield and help the club compete on multiple fronts.

A Record-Breaking Transfer

The £125 million agreement places Fernández among the most expensive players in football history and makes the Deadline Day transfer one of the biggest stories of the summer window.

City are now racing to complete the remaining formalities, including the medical, before the deadline.

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