Merino: Spain's Super Sub Hero

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino has emerged as Spain's unlikely hero, delivering crucial late goals in the team's last two World Cup knockout matches. These victories mark Spain's first wins at this stage since they were world champions in 2010.

Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence in Merino's ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, noting that the midfielder's knack for scoring late winners has provided a much-needed boost to Spain's tournament campaign. The team's progression beyond the quarter-finals represents a significant breakthrough, as Spain had previously fallen at this stage in 1986, 1994, and 2002. xsportfeed.quest