Merino calls late heroics surreal as Spain chase World Cup glory

Spain midfielder Mikel Merino entered the quarter‑final as a substitute and delivered a late winner against Belgium, turning a 1‑1 deadlock into a 2‑1 triumph that sent La Roja into the World Cup semifinals. Mikel Merino, Spain's midfielder, was introduced as a substitute in the second half. He entered the match against Belgium. Merino scored a late winning goal. The goal gave Spain the lead.

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The match ended 2‑1 in Spain's favour. The victory secured La Roja's place in the World Cup semifinals.

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Merino described his decisive contribution as "surreal". The win keeps Spain's World Cup campaign alive.