{
  "id": 12473463,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T21:40:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/merino-double-fires-spain-past-croatia-into-nations-league-quarters/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Spain reclaimed a 2-1 victory over Croatia in Split, securing their spot in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Mikel Merino scored twice, equalizing in the 61st minute and then netting the winning goal in the 88th minute, assisted by Martín Zubimendi. Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Perišić, who was later sent off in the 79th minute for a second yellow card. Despite Croatia's numerous chances and pressure, Spain's strong second-half performance turned the tide, confirming their perfect run and qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals.",
  "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 Nigeria",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-10-06T21:32:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}