Merino's Decisive Goal
Mikel Merino's Late Goal Propels Spain Past Belgium Into World Cup Semi-finals
Key Points
The 88th-minute winner against Belgium came after backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí, with Merino scoring on his second touch after coming on in the 86th minute.
Senne Lammens had to come on in the 71st minute after Thibaut Courtois left the match with a thigh injury, setting the stage for Merino’s late intervention.
Spain extended its unbeaten run since March 2023 to 37 matches, underscoring the team’s resilience even with Merino delivering decisive goals off the bench.
Pundits lauded Merino’s late-game instincts, with Stephen Warnock praising his positional sense and ability to read where the ball might drop, and Danny Murphy highlighting his 'intelligence to get yourself in those positions time and time again.'
Merino is an Arsenal player, having joined from Real Sociedad in 2024, and has become Spain’s go-to attacking substitute in key knockout matches.
Mikel Merino has done it again. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench in the 86th minute and scored just two minutes later to give Spain a 2-1 win over Belgium, sending La Roja into the World Cup semi-finals Yahoo Sports.
It is the third time Merino has scored a decisive late goal for Spain in a major knockout match. Pundits are now calling him the most clutch player in football history Yahoo Sports.
A Goalkeeper Mistake Opens the Door for Merino
Belgium's regular keeper Thibaut Courtois left the match in the 71st minute with a thigh injury. Backup Senne Lammens came on in his place Belfast Telegraph. It proved costly. In the 88th minute, Lammens spilled a long-range shot from Pau Cubarsí. Merino was there on his second touch to tap it home Belfast Telegraph.
Merino had been on the pitch for just two minutes when he scored. It was a goal born from sharp instincts and smart movement. Pundit Stephen Warnock praised his 'positional sense and ability to read where the ball might drop.' Danny Murphy added that Merino shows 'intelligence to get yourself in those positions time and time again' Yahoo Sports.
Merino's Three Clutch Goals That Rewrote Spanish Football
This was not a one-off. In the Round of 16, Merino struck in injury time to beat Portugal and keep Spain's run alive Yahoo Sports. Before that, at Euro 2024, he scored in the 119th minute to knock out Germany. That goal saved Spain from a penalty shootout and sent them to the semi-finals of that tournament too Yahoo Sports.
All three goals came in the final stages of knockout matches. All three came as a substitute. Spain's coaching staff has turned Merino into a planned weapon. He comes on late, reads the game fast, and delivers when it matters most Belfast Telegraph.
Spain's 37-Match Unbeaten Run Keeps Rolling
Spain has not lost a match since March 2023. The win over Belgium extends that run to 37 games Yahoo Sports. That streak covers two major tournaments and a World Cup run. Spain has shown they can win ugly, grinding out results even when the game looks like it might slip away.
Spain Face France Next in World Cup Semi-Final
Spain now face France in the semi-finals. It is one of international football's biggest rivalries. Spain will again look to Merino as a late-game option if the match is tight Belfast Telegraph. His record in those moments is hard to argue with — three big chances, three goals scored.
Merino joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in 2024. He has gone from squad player to Spain's most important substitute in the space of a few tournaments Yahoo Sports. For Spain, his value is simple: bring him on late, and the odds shift in their favour.
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