Before that moment arrived, the game was deadlocked in the final minutes. Spain dominated the midfield thanks to Rodri controlling the tempo as he pressed relentlessly but was unable to score a decisive goal inside the box against a solid Portugal defensive block.
Both teams seemed more afraid of making mistakes than trying to score. The turning point came when Ferran Torres sent a through ball into space. Merino ran into the penalty area and beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
A triumphant run around the corner flag, reminiscent of the one his father made in Stuttgart in 1991, provided the perfect ending, while at the other end of the pitch Ronaldo looked dejected. As described by El País, Merino’s goal was scored right on the edge of the game.
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| Mikel Merino celebrates his goal against Portugal. Photo: AP |
In fact, Spain’s draw lasted the full 90 minutes due to a serious problem in the final third of the field. On many occasions the ball made it all the way to the touchline or far post before being played back. The Portuguese defense was disorganized, creating space, but Lamin Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo were absent at crucial moments. The absence of a number nine who could stay close to the box and have a good eye for goal meant that countless opportunities were missed. Coach Luis de la Fuente’s decision to replace Olmo in the 84th minute with Mikel Merino turned out to be a completely different decision.
The number 6 midfielder did not wait for erratic back passes, but instead was active without the ball, penetrating just behind the opposition defence. The decisive goal was excellent proof of this keen vision of the game. While the opponent was busy blocking Spain’s usual short pass combinations, Merino moved to break down the defence. He always appeared exactly where he was supposed to be.
Two years ago, in the quarter-finals of EURO 2024, he headed the winning goal against the hosts Germany in the 119th minute. Two great tournaments, two decisive knockout rounds, two goals that decided the outcome. Merino left behind the tag of “super-sub” to become a hero of the final moments.
His trip to North America was also marked by sacrifices and concessions. The Arsenal midfielder spent the first half of the year with a broken leg. He arrived at the tournament completely recovered and had to give up the joy of caring for his newborn son at home. However, coach Luis de la Fuente remained firm in his confidence. Despite the drop in performance, the Spanish coach firmly stated: “I am ready to go to his house and look for him.” Merino’s calmness and ability to define the game were his most valuable weapons, which the coach carefully kept in reserve for the most difficult situations.
The current Spanish team has the brilliance of Rodri and the magic of Lamin Yamal. But on the difficult path to the World Cup, they always need pragmatism at crucial moments. Mikel Merino is the ideal player to relieve the enormous pressure and keep the Spanish team’s ambitions of winning the gold trophy alive.
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