Merino: Spain's Late Match Hero

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino has emerged as Spain's match-winner, scoring decisive goals in the last two World Cup knockout rounds - the country's first victories at this stage since their 2010 championship win. playerbros.org

Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence in Merino's ability to deliver in clutch moments, saying "I look behind me and I see Mikel Merino and I think: 'I'm calm as can be.'" Spain's quarter-final victory marks their overcoming a barrier that had previously stumped the team in 1986, 1994, and 2002.