​Mikel Merino, who struck the World Cup quarter-final winner against Belgium in the 88th minute on Friday, called the moment surreal as he reflected on scoring a late winner in consecutive knockout matches for Spain. “I never could have imagined something like this, not even in my wildest dreams—another goal in the dying minutes,” said Merino, who had already found the net in stoppage time during Spain’s 1-0 victory over Portugal on Monday.
Reflecting on the late drama, Merino recalled how the action unfolded. With the game near its end and the score tied 1-1, Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to secure a routine save. The ball bounced loose, and Merino—on the pitch for only two minutes himself—was quickest to react, pouncing on the rebound and hammering it home. The goal completed a dramatic turnaround and sent Spain’s fans into wild celebration.
Merino insisted that his late-worshipped moment wasn’t mere luck but the product of deliberate effort and mental resolve. He attributed his ability to deliver in the crucial moments to a combination of “drive” and a firm belief in himself to contribute whenever his team needs him. “That’s exactly what I did,” he stated simply, emphasizing that the goal sprang from a mindset of seizing the opportunity and pushing forward when it mattered most.
Looking beyond the game itself, Merino acknowledged that this World Cup run so far has been different from Spain’s more dominant, Euro 2020-winning campaign. He described the current path as “less flashy,” noting that the team has faced its share of challenges along the way and that their progression has required resilience. “Today was a tough day,” he admitted, recognizing the difficulty of advancing through the knockout stages.
The victory over Belgium sets up a landmark semi-final clash with France, a team many regard as the tournament favorites. Spain had previously defeated France 2-1 at the European Championship, but Merino and his teammates know that this next matchup will present a formidable test. “It’s going to be a head-to-head battle. That’s how semifinals always are. We’re heading into the match against France hungry and eager,” he said, underscoring the competitive intensity of the fixture.
Describing the upcoming semi-final as an elite, high-stakes contest, Merino reinforced that both Spain and France are performing at the top of their game. “It’s an elite-level match, the highest level. We are two teams playing at the very top of our game,” he affirmed, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and execution. “We’ll try to do our absolute best,” he added, signaling his unwavering commitment to pushing the team to its limits in a bid to reach the final.
As Spain prepares for a clash with France, Merino’s recent contributions—particularly his late winner against Belgium—have infused the squad with belief that they can compete with the strongest sides in the tournament. His performances in the closing moments of two consecutive knockout games have reinforced the message that even in high-stakes situations, he remains a decisive presence on the field. With a semi-final on the horizon, Merino’s mindset is clear: seize the moment, trust the process, and pursue greatness on the world stage.