Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to put Spain in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career on Monday.

It was a blockbuster drama that may have been headlined by the icons, but was ultimately decided by an ensemble of supporting cast.

It is almost certainly the "last dance" on the global stage for two icons of the modern era, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.

Discover the cultural evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic "Siuu" celebration from its 2013 Miami origins to a global internet phenomenon. Learn how this powerful football ritual inspires people to loudly celebrate life's everyday victories.

Witness the legendary World Cup showdown in Toronto as captains Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric clash in the Round of 32. This emotional Portugal versus Croatia knockout match secures an enduring generational soccer legacy.

Conceicao on Sunday there was no was question of players feeling obliged to pass to Ronaldo if other team-mates were in better attacking positions.

Portugal took the lead inside six minutes when Pedro Neto crossed for Joao Neves to head home from 15 metres as one of the pre-tournament favourites made the perfect start

Ronaldo will miss Sunday’s match against Armenia, where Portugal aim to seal qualification for next summer’s tournament.

Portugal fell behind on 17 minutes after Liam Scales headed a fizzed-in corner back across goal and Parrott could not miss.

Cristiano Ronaldo netted a record-extending 141st international goal with a spot-kick just before the hour.

The 14-year-old forward scored his first two international goals for Portugal’s U15 side at the Vlatko Markovic tournament in Croatia, marking a promising start to his international journey.

The 14-year-old forward, who plays for Al Nassr’s academy, came on as a substitute in the 54th minute with Portugal already leading 3-0, thanks to a hat-trick from Braga’s Rafael Cabral. Ronaldo Jr wore the iconic No. 7 shirt, the same number his father famously wore during his glittering career.

Ronaldo, now 39 and playing at his sixth European Championship, has struggled at the tournament in Germany and his inability to find the net so far has raised doubts as to whether he still deserves a starting spot in Roberto Martinez's team.

Ronaldo broke down in tears after missing a penalty in the first period of extra-time in the goalless tie in Frankfurt.

Georgia defended resolutely, countered at pace and fully deserved their victory.