Mikel Merino labelled Spain‘s progression to the semi-finals of the World Cup as a “dream come true” after he scored another late winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Belgium.
The Arsenal man, who has shown great versatility for club and country in being to operate as a midfielder and as a makeshift centre forward, netted a stoppage-time winner in the last 16 against Portugal.
And, two minutes from the end of normal time in Los Angeles, the 85th-minute substitute settled another tie in favour of the European champions.
Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead on the half-hour mark before Charles De Ketelaere levelled 11 minutes later with the first goal conceded by La Roja in the tournament.
The game appeared to be drifting towards extra time. However, Merino ensured Spain’s place in a mouthwatering semi-final tie with France.
He pounced on an error from Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, on for the injured Thibaut Courtois, tucking home the rebound after the Manchester United man failed to collect Pau Cubarsi’s long-range effort.
In doing so, Merino became the first player in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different knockout stage games as a substitute.
Speaking afterwards, Merino said: “Well, I’m just happy. I still don’t really believe it. When it went into added time I was already thinking about extra time, and then it happens again. It appears that coincidences don’t exist if you arrive prepared, and it fell to me again. I’m very happy.
“I hope it continues yes, I hope so, but we will see. To be two games away from a World Cup is a dream come true and we will keep going.
“It’s something that unites the whole country, unites the whole world, because football is so beautiful. Everyone is watching these games so to be able to give joy to so many people, not only in Spain but in the rest of the world is an honour.”
Asked about the semi-final tie with favourites France, Merino said: “You can’t ask for anything more than to be in the semi-finals. Two elite teams. Now we go forward with a lot of hunger and excitement to face France.”
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