Two goals by Mikel Merino, Spain reversed for

Two goals by Mikel Merino, Spain reverse for

By Sports.

Context

Mikel Merino, who played as a super-sub, scored his 14th and 15th goals for Spain. His contribution not only resulted in a win but also cemented his reputation as an integral part of the team, especially in critical matches in the UEFA Nations League.

Why it matters

Spain's win over Croatia saw them progress to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League, showing their ability to come back from behind. Mikel Merino, with his two goals, was key to the victory, proving that he is essential in their midfield. The result adds momentum to their season outlook, especially as they look to continue their good run in the competition.

Key Points

• Two goals by Mikel Merino, Spain reversed for.
• From a goal down, Mikel Merino led Spain to a 2-1 win over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League with a substitute brace.
• Substitute Merino scores twice as Spain win in Croatia - Yahoo Sports.

Mikel Merino introduced himself as a super-sub after scoring twice for Spain in their 2-1 come-from-behind win against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. The match was played in Croatian territory and it looked like a tough start for La Roja, but the tide changed in the second half as the midfielder came on and the visitors eventually pocketed the vital three points and progress to the quarter-finals. The home crowd was in for an early treat when Ivan Perisic opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a sharp header. The hosts' foundations were solid in the first half — their defense was sound and the transition was quick — so Spain had to show patience in developing the attack and keep the ball to find a crack at the back. Coming back from half-time, Spain were more aggressive and more organized. The lift in their tempo and movement between the lines was noticeable, and it paid off in the 61st minute. From a poor clearance by Croatia, Dani Olmo quickly got hold of the ball and carefully laid the pass to Merino, who slipped past the guard and coolly finished to level the match, 1-1. Spain continued to attack after the equalizer. Lamine Yamal had a chance to add another goal, but his goal-bound shot was deflected inside the box. Croatia tried to recover and almost went down again after a powerful shot by Perisic was derailed by a strong save. Moments later, the hosts were in trouble when Perisic received a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, resulting in a red card and leaving Croatia with ten men in the final stages of the game.

Spain took advantage of the numerical advantage. They continue to control the position and patiently search for the winning moment. That came two minutes before the end when Merino latched on to a superb pass from Martin Zubimendi on the edge of the defence. One control, one kick — and the ball went into the net for a 2-1 lead that La Roja didn't relinquish until the final whistle. With this win, Spain sit on top of League A – Group 3 and hold the advantage of the place, while cementing their ticket to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League. Coach Luis de la Fuente's team showed the depth of their bench and ability to adjust within the game — from faster movement in midfield to more aggressive pressing in the last thirty minutes. For Croatia, the result was painful especially since they scored early and remained competitive before the red card. However, they showed discipline and compact defense for long stretches of the match. Despite this, Spain's quality and finishing intensity prevailed, guided by Merino's two goals from the bench — a performance that reminded how important impact substitutes are in big matches at international level. Key players: Mikel Merino (2 goals), Ivan Perisic (goal and red card), Dani Olmo (assist on the equalizer), Lamine Yamal (blocked shot), and Martin Zubimendi (decisive pass on the late winner).

What's next

With Spain entering the quarter-finals, their good run in UEFA Nations League football is expected to continue. The next match will be important to maintain their momentum and gain the trust of the fans. Meanwhile, Ivan Perisic's absence from the game has had a big impact on Croatia, which may affect their performance in the upcoming matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in the match between Spain and Croatia?

Spain won the match against Croatia with a score of 2-1.

How did Spain's win affect their standings?

Spain's win gave them a vital three points and strengthened their position in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League.

Who scored the goals for Spain?

Mikel Merino scored two goals for Spain.

What is Spain's next match in the UEFA Nations League?

There is no specific information about Spain's next match in the UEFA Nations League at the moment.

What happened to Ivan Perisic in the match?

Ivan Perisic received a second yellow card and was expelled from the game, which n leave Croatia with ten players.

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