Mikel Merino's friends in the final: "His goals in San Fermín have been crazy"

Childhood friends of Mikel Merino, who has emerged as a hero for the Spanish national team with late-game winning goals, are in attendance for the World Cup final against Argentina. They are anticipating another decisive goal from the midfielder, affectionately calling it "another little goal."

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We've come here to watch him win and score another little goal. A little goal in the 90th and everyone happy for Spain.

Pablo, Ismael, and Unai, who have known Merino since they were five years old in Pamplona, expressed their optimism outside MetLife Stadium. They shared the immense excitement felt in their hometown over Merino's crucial goals, particularly noting the significance of a player from Navarre scoring during the San Fermín festival and helping Spain reach the semifinals and now the final.

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In Pamplona, Mikel's goals have been crazy, especially being from Navarre. And of course, San Fermín coincides, with so many people, a player from Navarre scores, you get to the semifinals and the final, and it was incredible, incredible.

Merino, who has started as a substitute throughout the tournament, has consistently made a significant impact when called upon. He scored the opening goal in Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 and netted the decisive 2-1 goal against Belgium to secure a spot in the semifinals.

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The time he comes on, he takes advantage, showing his aura, his grit that characterizes him, and he's giving it his all.

His friends described his ability to seize opportunities, highlighting his characteristic "aura" and "grit." They mentioned speaking with Merino the day before the final, noting his calmness and confidence in himself and the team. They believe he will "go in to bite" and expressed unwavering faith in his abilities, as they always have.

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Yesterday we were with him at the hotel and he was calm, he had confidence in today and in the team, and surely everything will go well. He's going to go in to bite. We have full confidence in Mikel, as always.