{
  "id": 12479131,
  "title": "Substitute Merino scores twice as Spain win in Croatia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/substitute-merino-scores-twice-as-spain-win-in-croatia",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T21:57:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/substitute-merino-scores-twice-as-spain-win-in-croatia/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}