The Arsenal midfielder stepped off the bench for the second successive game to score the decisive goal – this time securing a 2-1 victory against Belgium.
World Cup 2026
The win means Spain are into last four of the tournament for only the second time. The last time they made it there – in 2010 – they went on to lift the trophy.
Merino’s latest heroics have set up a meeting with France for a place in the final and also a mouthwatering showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, who – by contrast to the Frenchman – is yet to make his mark at this World Cup.
Merino overcomes setbacks to become Spain’s super sub
Match Details
Few footballers relish developing a reputation as a super sub – someone who can come off the bench and make an impact – because they would rather be starting games on the pitch.
But just being a part of Spain’s World Cup squad was something Merino could not envisage just a few months ago.
In January, he suffered an unusual injury to his foot – a stress fracture in an area even specialists had not seen before.
Tournament Impact
It not only ruled Merino out of action for Arsenal but also left his World Cup hopes in huge doubt as he was unable to return to action for the Gunners until just a month before the tournament got under way.
Not only did Merino return and earn his place in the Spain squad but he is proving an invaluable player in their run to the last four.
He scored in stoppage time to send Portugal out in the last 16 and repeated those heroics against Belgium.
Stay informed with the latest news on Wararka.so — your trusted source for Somalia and world news.
