Mikel Merino has once again emerged as a crucial player for Spain, scoring the decisive goal that secured a 2-1 victory against Belgium and propelled his team into the World Cup semi-finals. This marks Spain‘s second appearance in the tournament’s last four, with their previous semi-final in 2010 leading to a trophy win.
The Arsenal midfielder, who came off the bench for the second consecutive game, netted the winner in the 88th minute. This latest heroics sets up a semi-final clash against France, featuring a highly anticipated encounter between Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
Merino’s journey to super-sub status
Merino’s presence in the World Cup squad was uncertain just months ago. In January, he sustained an unusual foot injury, a stress fracture, which sidelined him from Arsenal and cast doubt on his tournament participation. He only returned to action for the Gunners a month before the competition began.
Despite these setbacks, Merino has become an invaluable asset for Spain. He previously scored in stoppage time to eliminate Portugal in the last 16, replicating that performance against Belgium. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente praised Merino, stating he is a player who could excel in any team and embodies the team’s philosophy.
Merino himself expressed his surprise at being part of the squad, reflecting on the difficult moments and the support he received. His ability to deliver in crucial moments is familiar to Arsenal fans, as he has performed similar feats for his club. While primarily a midfielder, his height has seen him deployed as a striker by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, a role in which he scored twice against Leicester in a 2-0 victory last year.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney noted Merino’s knack for arriving at the right time in big games. De la Fuente further highlighted Merino’s understanding of the game, describing him as committed, generous, and happy to do the work, capable of playing both as a striker and a midfielder.
Lamine Yamal’s tournament contribution
While players like Lionel Messi, Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland have made significant impacts in the tournament, Spain and Barcelona‘s teenage star, Lamine Yamal, has yet to fully replicate his form from the Euro 2024 campaign. He has played six games in this World Cup, scoring one goal.
At times, Yamal has made decisions to shoot when a pass might have been more effective. However, his dribbling ability and pace are still contributing by creating space for teammates like Merino. Rooney commented that even Messi makes wrong decisions at times, and Yamal is still finding his rhythm after entering the tournament with an injury.
Yamal’s effectiveness lies in drawing defenders, which opens up opportunities for others. Former Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta acknowledged that Yamal’s game hasn’t translated into many goals or assists, but he remains highly influential in Spain‘s play, constantly moving and seeking to make a difference.
Belgium’s costly injury and Spain’s defensive strength
Spain‘s defence has been formidable throughout the tournament, conceding their first goal of this World Cup against Belgium. The goal came 40 minutes and 12 seconds into the match when Charles De Ketelaere headed in a cross following a play initiated by Jérémy Doku and assisted by Kevin De Bruyne.
The match saw a significant moment when Belgium‘s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was forced off due to injury, holding his thigh. His replacement, substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, was unable to prevent Merino’s late winner. This injury was a cruel blow for Belgium, who had resisted Spain‘s dominance for much of the game.
Despite Belgium‘s efforts, the cracks began to show as their strength waned, with Youri Tielemans also removed from the starting XI before kick-off. Spain‘s ability to control the game and quickly recover the ball has given them confidence, according to Azpilicueta, who noted that the team rarely collapses under pressure.
The upcoming semi-final against France will present a significant challenge to Spain‘s backline, especially against a free-scoring Mbappe-led attack.
The match against Belgium saw Fabián Ruiz replace Pedri in midfield, a decision that proved fruitful as Ruiz scored Spain‘s first goal from a rebound after Dani Olmo‘s shot was saved by Courtois. This goal came after a pass from Lamine Yamal set up Pedro Porro, who then pulled the ball back for Olmo. Mikel Merino‘s winning goal arrived in the 88th minute.
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Source: bbc.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
