Substitute Merino scores twice as Spain win in Croatia
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as world champions Spain fought back from a goal down to beat Croatia in the Nations League and reach the quarter-finals.
Substitute Mikel Merino set up a double for Spain as they defeated Croatia in the Nations League and advanced to the quarter-finals. Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, aimed to secure their 11th consecutive win, trailing by a goal at the 17th minute when Ivan Perisic headed the opening score for Croatia. The Croatian team received a standing ovation at halftime after improving significantly following a 7-0 defeat by England in their previous match.
Spain returned stronger in the second half, leveling the game in the 61st minute when Dani Olmo, after a poor clearance, passed the ball to Merino, who scored. Lamine Yamal's blocked goalbound effort presented an opportunity for Spain, which was unfortunately denied. Croatia's Perisic was shown a second yellow card for fouling Marc Cucurella moments after a strong shot was saved.
The Croatian player's second booking might have cost them the match, as Spain sealed the victory two minutes from time. Merino capitalized on a precise pass from Arsenal teammate Martin Zubimendi, slotting the ball into the net. This victory places Spain atop League A – Group 3, three points ahead of England, who convincingly defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 on Tuesday.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
