Mikel Merino scored a 91st-minute winner as Spain beat Portugal 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench and decided the last-16 tie in Dallas. Reuters reported that Merino scored six minutes after his introduction, finishing after a move involving Ferran Torres.
Merino received the match ball after the game and made clear he plans to keep it.
“I’ll definitely keep it,” he said. “I’ll put it right next to the one from the Euros!”
The line refers to his Euro 2024 quarter-final winner against Germany, when he scored in extra time to send Spain through.
Read Arsenal recently covered how Merino’s World Cup role has given Mikel Arteta another useful pre-season question, with the midfielder again showing his value in tournament football.
Merino Delivers Again For Spain
Merino has built a reputation for important goals in Spain colours.
His latest winner came at a major moment. Spain were heading towards extra time against Portugal before Merino broke the game open in stoppage time.
Luis de la Fuente praised his substitute after the match, saying Merino had given Spain “a fantastic result and a fantastic goal”.
For Arsenal, it is another reminder of his timing and temperament. Merino may not always dominate headlines at club level, but he continues to produce in demanding moments.
Spain will now face Belgium in the quarter-finals. Merino will travel there with another match ball, another late winner and more momentum behind him.
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