Mikel Merino scored another late goal against Belgium to become the first player to score winning goals in two knockout matches as a substitute in World Cup history. A few days ago, he scored the winner against Portugal and ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup, and now he came off the bench in the 85th minute and scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
Mikel Merino The Super Sub
The 30-year-old has only managed to start one game in the tournament so far but has been instrumental in getting Spain to another World Cup semi-final. It was not long ago that Merino was a doubt for the tournament as he suffered a stress fracture of his foot with Arsenal in January. Merino was not able to walk for two months; he was using a mobility scooter.
It shows the determination and dedication of Merino that he is fit and ready to play for his country once again. His knack of scoring important goals is something he has done his whole career, just as Mikel Arteta. Spain will need to be on their A-game if they are to beat France in the semi-finals, but they are grinding out results, and that is what good teams do.
