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Merino explains late winner that sent Spain into World Cup semifinals
11th July, 2026 10:18 AM
Mikel Merino continues to enjoy a dream FIFA World Cup campaign after once again delivering when Spain needed him most, scoring another decisive goal to send his team into the semifinals.
The Spanish midfielder has now found the net in consecutive knockout matches after coming off the bench. Against Belgium in Friday’s quarterfinal, Merino was introduced in the 86th minute and scored just moments later to secure a 2-1 win, earning Spain their first World Cup semifinal appearance since 2010. His latest heroics followed his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Portugal in the round of 16.
Merino revealed that Spain manager Luis de la Fuente offered only brief instructions before bringing him into the match.
Still amazed
“To be honest, he did not say much. He told me I would come on as a No. 10. Then, after the match, he told me I was incredible. Those were the two things he said to me,” Merino said.
The 30-year-old explained that he entered the Belgium match with the same mindset he had against Portugal.
“I came on trying to do the best I could, trying to position myself in areas where I could hurt the opponents,” he said.
“They were very well organized, but when you get bodies into the box, things can happen. I tried to stay alert for any loose ball, any ball that might come through between the lines, and to free up teammates by occupying the center-backs. It worked out well.”
Merino’s family, including his two-month-old baby, watched from the stands as he scored the winning goal against Belgium.
When asked how he might one day describe this unforgettable World Cup experience to his child, the midfielder admitted it would not be easy.
“I don’t know. Luckily, there is YouTube and the internet, so I will be able to show him. It is difficult to explain something like this with words.”
“They were not here for the round of 16, so I had to do it again so they could experience it live. I am very happy they are here, because they are my strength. I am sure part of the luck I had, with the ball falling to me, came from the good energy they gave me.”
Despite becoming one of Spain’s standout performers in the knockout stage, Merino said he is still struggling to process everything that has happened.
“I honestly do not even know what to say. I still cannot quite believe it. I feel very fortunate and privileged to be living this.”
“To have my family here as well makes it even more special. Today, if anything, that happiness is even greater.”
Demanding fixtures
Merino has made a habit of scoring in high-pressure matches. Before this year’s World Cup, he netted an extra-time winner to help Spain defeat Germany 2-1 in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. While some may attribute those late goals to fortune, he believes they are the product of careful preparation rather than chance.
“I do believe in some coincidences, but I do not think this is a coincidence. If three goals have come to me in key moments, it is because I really prepare myself for when those moments arrive.”
“Hopefully more will come. That does not mean people should get used to seeing me score in the last minute every time, because it is very difficult for that to happen again. But every time I am on the football pitch, I will be ready.” He added.
