Mikel Merino confident Spain will find reward despite World Cup draw

Despite a goalless draw against Cabo Verde, Spain's midfielder Mikel Merino remains optimistic about the team's prospects in the 2026 World Cup. He believes their current work ethic will ultimately lead to success, drawing confidence from past experiences.

Merino recalled the 2019 U21 European Championship, where the Spanish team, also coached by Luis de la Fuente, started with a loss but went on to win the tournament. "I've seen a very similar coach, calm and knowing there are bumps in the road," Merino stated in a press conference. "If something doesn't suit us right now, it's for panic to set in. What we are doing will be rewarded because we are working the same way and it has always worked for us."

He stressed the importance of learning from all experiences and maintaining composure, even when facing setbacks. "The good thing is that you learn from all experiences. Luis has to give us tranquility, but we have that foundation that not everything goes to waste because of a bump in the road," Merino added.

Looking ahead to their next match against Saudi Arabia, Merino believes a "convincing victory" is the best way to turn the situation around. He highlighted the team's strong unity and desire to perform well, stating, "The best message is to turn the situation around with a convincing victory in the next match." He also noted the team's capacity for self-criticism, even after wins, and pointed to Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory after an initial loss as an example of how strong performances can emerge from difficult starts.

Merino acknowledged that Saudi Arabia presents a challenging opponent, noting their higher-than-expected level of play. He sees the current standings, with all teams closely matched, as a reset, emphasizing the need for strong performances to advance. Spain's recent World Cup history has been challenging since their 2010 victory, with limited wins in subsequent tournaments, but Merino does not attribute this solely to psychological factors, suggesting the caliber of opponents also plays a significant role.