Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino delivered a memorable performance for Spain during their 1-0 win over Portugal in the World Cup round of 16.
La Roja struggled to break the deadlock against Roberto Martinez’s side at the Dallas Stadium yesterday until Merino’s late heroics in stoppage time.
Merino has scored plenty of clutch goals for club and country in recent years and repeated the feat with a dramatic 91st-minute winner for Spain.
The 30-year-old only came on as an 85th-minute substitute and proved why he was picked in the squad despite his recent long-term injury absence.
Merino’s achievement was hailed in today’s Spanish newspapers.
Sport said that the midfielder has been a ‘loyal soldier’ for manager Luis de la Fuente and handed him a 9/10 rating for his stoppage-time winner.
They wrote: “A loyal soldier for De la Fuente. A man born for goals like the one that secured qualification.”
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo praised him for scoring another ‘historic’ goal, replicating the feat against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.
MD published: “He came on in the 85th minute and, just like in the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Germany, he once again made that iconic run around the corner flag after scoring another historic goal.”
Merino had a difficult second half of last season with Arsenal. He sustained a hairline fracture in his right foot in late January, which required surgery. He was ruled out of competitive action until late May.
The former Real Sociedad man returned for the final league game at Crystal Palace before the trophy lift, but he was an unused substitute during the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
There were some questions raised over his selection for the World Cup, given the lack of minutes, but Merino answered his critics with an unforgettable winning goal against Portugal yesterday.
Merino had just eight touches, scoring with his only shot on target. His false striker instincts were on display as he got behind the Portuguese backline to fire home the late winner for La Roja.
Spain will now face Belgium in the quarter-final of the World Cup. They have reached this stage of the global tournament after 16 years and will be determined to book a place in the last four.
Merino is unlikely to be a starter for Spain, but will surely come off the bench once more.
Stats from Sofascore