Spain reaches World Cup semifinals after Merino's late winner against Belgium

Spain is back in the World Cup semifinals after a 16-year absence, with their last appearance in the final four coming in 2010, the year they won their only title. Their recent 2-1 victory over Belgium, secured by a late goal from midfielder Mikel Merino, has the Spanish press hailing the team's clutch performance.

Merino, who came onto the field just 120 seconds before scoring, has become a key figure in Spain's late-game successes. This mirrors his decisive role in the round of 16 match against Portugal, where he also scored in stoppage time to secure qualification. Coach Luis De la Fuente has employed a strategy of using impactful substitutions at critical moments, a tactic that has paid dividends.

This pattern of late-game heroics is not new for Merino or the Spanish team. In the 2024 European Championship quarterfinals, Merino scored a late equalizer against Germany, forcing extra time and ultimately helping Spain advance. He also played a crucial role in the 2025 Nations League final, scoring in added time to secure a draw against the Netherlands and contributing to their penalty shootout victory.

Merino himself expressed his disbelief and conviction after the match against Belgium. "How am I supposed to feel? Happy... I still don't believe it. To do it once already, I thought it wouldn't happen again for who knows how long, but it happened again. It's surreal, but I always say that coincidences don't exist. You have to believe it, come out with desire, and always contribute from wherever you are. That's what I did. If you go in prepared, it happens again," he stated.

“

How am I supposed to feel? Happy... I still don't believe it. To do it once already, I thought it wouldn't happen again for who knows how long, but it happened again. It's surreal, but I always say that coincidences don't exist. You have to believe it, come out with desire, and always contribute from wherever you are. That's what I did. If you go in prepared, it happens again.