{
  "id": 12472200,
  "title": "Merino double fires Spain past Croatia into Nations League quarters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/merino-double-fires-spain-past-croatia-into-nations-league-quarters",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T21:32:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/merino-double-fires-spain-past-croatia-into-nations-league-quarters/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Spain rebounded from a first-half deficit to defeat Croatia 2-1 in Split, advancing to the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Mikel Merino scored twice, equalizing in the 61st minute and adding a winner in the 88th minute, assisted by Martín Zubimendi. Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Perišić, who was later sent off for a second yellow card in the 79th minute following a foul on Marc Cucurella, leaving his team with 10 men. Despite Croatia's strong second-half performance and creating multiple scoring chances, Spain's late comeback secured their place in the quarter-finals, extending their winning streak.",
  "summary": "Mikel Merino scored twice as Spain came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in Split, securing their place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Read More: https://punchng.com/merino-double-fires-spain-past-croatia-into-nations-league-quarters/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Merino double fires Spain past Croatia into Nations League quarters",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/merino-double-fires-spain-past-croatia-into-nations-league-quarters-12473463",
        "published": "2026-10-06T21:40:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}