Harry Kane
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Merino struck a dramatic late equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw for Spain after Jorrel Hato’s red card derailed a strong Netherlands performance in Rotterdam.
Spain took an early lead against the run of play when Hato was dispossessed by Lamine Yamal. The young winger quickly fed his Barcelona teammate Pedri, who squared the ball to Nico Williams. The Athletic Bilbao forward made no mistake, blasting home in the ninth minute.
Despite the early setback, the Netherlands steadily gained control, dominating possession for much of the first half. Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Cody Gakpo fired a low shot into the net after a well-crafted move sparked by Jeremie Frimpong’s driving run.
The Dutch maintained their momentum after the break and needed just one minute to take the lead. Once again, Frimpong was at the heart of the action, charging into the Spanish box before setting up Tijjani Reijnders. The AC Milan midfielder produced a sublime finish into the far corner past Unai Simón.
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Spain struggled to break down the Dutch defence in the second half, but the game shifted in the 82nd minute when Hato received a red card for a reckless challenge. With the numerical advantage, La Roja piled on the pressure, and it finally paid off in stoppage time. Bart Verbruggen could only parry a Williams effort into the path of Merino, who slotted the rebound into an empty net in the 93rd minute.
Merino, who has stepped up as a makeshift striker for Arsenal in the absence of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, joked earlier this week that he is “getting a taste” for playing up front.
Mikel Merino - Spain
Mikel Merino has scored more* *goals as a striker this season than Harry Kane, Lautaro Martínez and Erling Haaland (Image credit: Getty Images)
With Jesus sidelined due to an ACL injury and Havertz ruled out with a hamstring issue, Arsenal have been without a natural striker. Merino revealed in an interview withThe Guardian that the decision to use him in that role wasn’t seriously considered until the morning of the Leicester City game—just three days after Havertz’s injury. In that match, he came off the bench and scored twice in a 2-0 win.
Having earned praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright for his contributions, Merino believes he is adapting well to the role, learning to see the game from a different perspective and engaging in physical battles with defenders.
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“I’m getting used to being a center-forward, fighting with the center-backs, feeling them hit you from behind,” Mikel Merino admitted. “You’re always at a disadvantage, and they try to intimidate you physically from start to finish—even when the ball isn’t there.
“It’s more of a mental challenge than playing in midfield because it’s a direct duel. But I’m adapting, and if there’s one thing I’ve always been, it’s a battler: I like the contact, I never back down.”
Since the Mikel Merino became the Arsenal striker, he has scored five goals, more than Harry Kane (3), Lautaro Martínez (3) and Erling Haaland (2).
With a spot in the Nations League semi-finals on the line, the two teams will face off again in Valencia on Sunday. Tempers flared in the second half of the first leg, and another heated contest is expected as both sides push for progression.
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