Finally, after six appearances, Cristiano Ronaldo's journey in the World Cups was without glory or shame. For most of the match, Portugal did not manage to trouble Spain, which only in the last minutes could make its chances count to win narrowly 1-0, and was eliminated from the World Cup.
The Iberian classic would start with possession evenly distributed, but with one clear owner of the chances: the Spanish team. At 2, Mikel Oyarzabal would shoot from afar, which Diogo Costa would easily save, and just five minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward would find himself one-on-one with the Portuguese goalkeeper after a great assist from Dani Olmo, however he would miss his shot.
Despite some isolated approaches from the Portuguese, the trend would continue in the next phase of the match, including the danger posed by Luis de la Fuente's team. This would be reflected at 16, with a double chance first from Lamine Yamal with a shot from the lower right edge of the area and on the rebound an attempt by Álex Baena, both brilliantly cleared by Costa.
Clearly now in control of the game, La Roja would continue to try in various ways to take the lead before halftime. They would come close to doing so again at 30 with a dangerous cross from Pedro Porro that would lead to a forced intervention from the opposing goalkeeper who would leave the ball alive in the small area, but Olmo would not be able to take advantage of it.
Only towards the end of the first half would Portugal become more daring. At 36, João Felix would head a cross from Pedro Neto, but it would be blocked by Unai Simón, who then with a sensational dive would deny Ronaldo his opportunity.
