Mikel Merino is 'extraordinary' with more World Cup heroics for Spain
Spanish forward Mikel Merino has become a key figure in the World Cup, scoring game-winning goals as a late substitute in consecutive knockout matches. His performance against Belgium and Portugal has been described as extraordinary by his teammates.
Why it matters
Merino's record-breaking performance highlights the impact of tactical substitutions in high-stakes international sports tournaments.
Hear this story INGLEWOOD, CA — Need a goal? Better call Mikel Merino.
Lightning struck twice for Spain in the World Cup knockout round, with the forward coming on as a late substitute for the second straight game and again scoring the game-winning goal not long afterwards to keep La Roja alive .
The latest heroics topped the previous ones, with Merino finding the net in the 88th minute of the quarterfinal matchup to beat Belgium on Friday, July 10, advancing Spain to the semifinals. That after scoring late against Portugal in the round of 16 .
He became the first substitute in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different knockout stage matches.
Even after doing it again, Merino still can’t fathom how clutch he’s come up for his squad.
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