The champions will face the United States -- the only one of the co-hosts remaining -- or Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles.

In front of an expectant crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys, a match that on paper promised so much failed to deliver.

Extra time looked certain, before fellow substitute Ferran Torres slipped in Merino to settle the contest in the first minute of injury time.

It meant a sour final World Cup match for the 41-year-old Ronaldo, who looked like he was choking back tears at the end.

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Spain captain Rodri praised the "maturity" of his side.