Mikel Merino described Spain’s qualification to the World Cup semi-finals as a “dream come true” after scoring a late winner to seal a 2-1 win over Belgium.
The Arsenal man, who has shown great versatility for club and country by operating as a midfielder and as a makeshift striker, scored an injury-time winner in the round of 16 against Portugal.
Two minutes before the end of normal time in Los Angeles, the substitute in the 85th minute decided another tie in favor of the European champion.
Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead on the half-hour mark before Charles De Kittilari equalized 11 minutes later with the first goal La Roja had conceded in the tournament.
The match seemed to be heading toward extra time. However, Merino secured Spain’s place in the Exciting semi-final match with France.
He took advantage of a mistake by Belgian substitute goalkeeper Ceni Lamins, replacing the injured Thibaut Courtois, and shot the rebound after the Manchester United player failed to block Pau Cobarsi’s long-range shot.
Thus, Merino became the first player in World Cup history to score the winning goal in two different knockout stage matches as a substitute.
Speaking afterwards, Merino said: “Well, I’m just happy. I still can’t really believe it. When extra time went into extra time, I was already thinking about extra time, and then it happened again. Coincidences don’t seem to exist if you arrive prepared, and it just clicked in my mind again. I’m very happy.”
“I hope it continues, yes, I hope so, but we’ll see. Being two games away from the World Cup is a dream come true and we’ll keep moving forward.”
“It’s something that unites the whole country, unites the whole world, because football is so beautiful. Everyone watches these matches, so to be able to give joy to so many people, not only in Spain but in the rest of the world is a great honour.”
In response to a question about the semi-final clash with favorites France, Merino said: “You can’t ask for anything more than qualifying for the semi-finals. Two elite teams. Now we come forward with a lot of hunger and excitement to face France.”
