Spain Defeats Portugal 1-0 on Merino's Late World Cup Winner
In the 2023 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 thanks to a 91st-minute stoppage-time goal by substitute Mikel Merino. This marked Spain's latest match-winning goal in a World Cup since Iniesta's 2010 final winner, and Merino became the first Spanish player to score in a World Cup Round of 16 since David Villa in 2010. The dramatic victory propelled Spain into the quarterfinals and contributed to a record 10 stoppage-time winning goals in this tournament.
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Merino Reaches 50-Game Milestone for Spain in World Cup Semi-Final Win Over France
In the World Cup semi-final, Spain defeated France 2-0 to advance to the final. Midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench in the second half, marking his 50th appearance for the Spanish national team. Merino had previously scored winning goals as a substitute in Spain's two prior knockout matches. The article highlights his impactful role off the bench and praises his effectiveness, with a nod to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's eye for midfield talent.
虎扑 - 足球Spain's Mikel Merino enjoys happy knack of scoring late winners
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino has become a clutch substitute, scoring decisive late goals in the last two rounds of the 2026 World Cup. He came off the bench to score winners against Portugal in the round of 16 (90+1 minute) and against Belgium in the quarter-final (88th minute), marking Spain's first World Cup knockout wins since their 2010 championship. Merino's goals continue a family tradition, as he celebrates by circling the corner flag in honor of his father Ángel, who scored a similar winner for Osasuna 35 years ago. Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed calm confidence in Merino, who played only minutes in each match but proved decisive. Spain broke their quarter-final barrier for only the second time in history, advancing to the semi-finals.
Football | The GuardianArsenal built the cannon, Spain keeps firing it
Mikel Merino has become Spain's unlikely World Cup hero, scoring two knockout-stage winners as a substitute in consecutive matches. Against Portugal, he scored in the 91st minute to eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo. Against Belgium, he needed only 117 seconds after coming on in the 86th minute to score the winner, ending Kevin De Bruyne's international career. Merino, originally a central midfielder at Arsenal, was converted into a striker by Mikel Arteta through tactical improvisation. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente now uses him as a late-game wildcard, with Merino scoring both goals in just nine total minutes of playing time across the two matches. He is the first player in World Cup history to score knockout-stage winners as a substitute in consecutive games.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Mikel Merino: Spain's King of the Clutch Scores Again in World Cup
Mikel Merino has cemented his status as one of Spain's most clutch footballers by scoring decisive goals in consecutive World Cup knockout matches, a feat never before achieved by a substitute. After heroic goals against Germany and Portugal in Euro 2024, Merino scored the winner against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, avenging Spain's penalty shootout loss 40 years prior. The Real Sociedad midfielder, who entered the match for just under two minutes, capitalized on a goalkeeper error to head home the winner. He now sits alongside Spanish legends like Fernando Torres, David Villa, and Andres Iniesta in the nation's football history. Merino has scored four goals in knockout stages of World Cups, European Championships, and Nations League, making him Spain's top scorer in such high-pressure moments.
Fútbol en AS.comMerino Scores Consecutive Match-Winning Goals; FIFA Calls Him 'Magical'
In the World Cup quarterfinal, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1, with Merino coming off the bench for the second consecutive game and scoring the winning goal. After the match, FIFA's official social media account posted a poster celebrating Merino, calling him 'Magical Merino.' The article, sourced from Hupu Football News, highlights Merino's clutch performance as a substitute in back-to-back matches.
虎扑 - 足球Merino Scores Three Decisive Goals for Spain in Major Tournaments
In a Hupu sports report dated July 11, it was highlighted that Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino has scored three goals for Spain in major tournaments (European Championship and World Cup), all of which were match-winning goals. His first was a 119th-minute winner against Germany in the 2024 European Championship quarterfinal. The second was a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. The third was an 88th-minute winner against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, which helped Spain advance to the semifinals of the USA-Canada-Mexico tournament. Remarkably, Merino's total playing time across these three matches was only 66 minutes, underscoring his efficiency as a super-substitute.
虎扑 - 足球Mikel Merino Makes History as First Substitute to Score Winning Goals in Two World Cup Knockout Matches
In a World Cup quarterfinal match, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1, with Mikel Merino scoring the decisive winning goal. According to statistical records, Merino has become the first player in World Cup knockout history to come off the bench and score a winning goal in two separate matches. This achievement highlights his impact as a substitute in high-stakes knockout games. The news was reported by Hupu Football, citing a source from X, and published on July 11. The match took place in the World Cup quarterfinal stage, with Merino's goal securing Spain's victory over Belgium.
虎扑 - 足球Merino Scores Winning Goals in Two Consecutive World Cup Knockout Matches
In the World Cup quarterfinal, Spain defeated Belgium 2-1, with Mikel Merino scoring the winning goal after coming off the bench. This marked the second consecutive knockout match in which Merino entered as a substitute and scored the decisive goal. In the round of 16, he also came off the bench to score the winner against Portugal. Merino's clutch performances have made him a key contributor for Spain in the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Mikel Merino: From Mobility Scooter to World Cup Hero for Spain
Mikel Merino has become Spain's unlikely World Cup hero, scoring decisive late goals as a substitute in consecutive knockout matches against Portugal and Belgium. The Arsenal midfielder, who suffered a stress fracture in his foot in January and needed a mobility scooter to get around for two months, has dragged Spain into the semi-finals. He is the first player in World Cup history to score winning goals in separate knockout ties as a substitute. Merino's knack for clutch goals was previously demonstrated at Euro 2024, where his extra-time header against Germany sent Spain to the final. Spain will face France in the semi-finals, with Merino expected to again provide impact off the bench.
SkySports | NewsMerino Scores in Two Knockout Matches in Single World Cup, Second Only to Villa for Spain
In the World Cup quarterfinal match between Spain and Belgium, Spanish player Merino scored a goal from a rebound. This achievement places him among an elite group of Spanish players who have scored in two knockout matches in a single World Cup. The only other Spanish player to accomplish this was David Villa in 2010, who also scored in both the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals. Merino's feat in the 2026 World Cup mirrors Villa's performance from the 2010 tournament, highlighting his crucial contributions in high-stakes knockout games for Spain.
虎扑 - 足球Merino Shares Match Photos After World Cup Winner Against Portugal
In a World Cup Round of 16 match, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 thanks to a last-minute winning goal from Merino. Following the victory, Merino updated his social media account with a collection of photos from the match. The post, shared on Instagram, includes a caption that reads 'Previous chapter ✨' and 'Looking ahead to the next...', indicating a focus on past achievement and future ambitions. The article, sourced from Hupu Soccer, reports on the event and the player's social media activity.
虎扑 - 足球Mikel Merino's Emotional World Cup Heroics: From Injury Doubt to Match-Winner Against Portugal
Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, repeating his hero role from Euro 2024. The Arsenal midfielder revealed he almost missed the tournament due to a serious injury that jeopardized his participation. After the match, an emotional Merino expressed joy at giving happiness to fans and gratitude for the support of his loved ones. The win sets up a quarterfinal clash against Belgium, where Merino could reclaim a starting spot.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertLaporte Reaches 50 Appearances for Spain, Receives Commemorative Jersey
In the World Cup Round of 16 match on July 8, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0. Defender Laporte reached the milestone of 50 appearances for the Spanish national team during this match. After the game, the Spanish Football Federation presented him with a special commemorative jersey in the locker room to honor his achievement. The news was reported by Hupu Soccer, citing a source on X (formerly Twitter).
虎扑 - 足球Rodri Records 106 Touches in Spain's World Cup Win Over Portugal
In the Round of 16 of the World Cup, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. Rodri was named Man of the Match after recording 106 touches during the game. According to Opta statistics, since records began in 1966, Rodri now has nine World Cup matches with 100 or more touches, placing him second all-time behind Dunga (10 times) and ahead of Xavi (8 times). The match was characterized by Rodri's midfield dominance, with fans noting he completely controlled the game against Portugal's midfielders.
虎扑 - 足球Mikel Merino: Scoring for Spain in World Cup is one of happiest moments of my career
Mikel Merino scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday evening, July 6, 2026. The goal secured Spain's place in the quarterfinals. After the match, the Spanish midfielder expressed immense joy, noting that he had doubted his participation in the tournament just months earlier due to an injury. He described the moment as one of the happiest of his career.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSpain Substitutes Combine for World Cup Win Over Portugal
In the World Cup Round of 16 match on July 7, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0, with both the assist and the goal coming from substitute players. Ferran Torres assisted Mikel Merino for the winning goal. This marks the third time in Spain's World Cup history that a goal has been scored with both the assist and finish coming from substitutes, following similar instances in 1982 against Yugoslavia and 2014 against Australia. The match ensured Spain's advancement to the quarter-finals. The news was reported by Hupu Soccer, a Chinese sports community, 3 minutes before the report time.
虎扑 - 足球Portugal Failed to Register a Shot on Target in Second Half Against Spain
In the World Cup Round of 16 match on July 7, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0. Portugal struggled offensively in the second half, failing to produce a single shot on target. Of their five total shots after halftime, only two occurred during stoppage time, highlighting their lack of attacking threat. The match was a key knockout stage encounter in the tournament.
虎扑 - 足球Spain Scores First 90th-Minute World Cup Winner Since 1962
In the World Cup Round of 16, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal by Mikel Merino. This goal is only the second 90th-minute winner scored by Spain in World Cup history, with the previous one being scored by Peiró against Mexico in 1962. The article, sourced from Hupu Soccer and X, highlights this rare achievement for the Spanish national team in regular time at the World Cup.
虎扑 - 足球Record 10 Last-Minute Winning Goals in 2026 World Cup
In the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 with a last-minute winning goal by Mikel Merino. This goal marked the 10th last-minute winner of the tournament, setting a new record for the most such goals in a single World Cup edition. The previous record was surpassed as dramatic late finishes have become a hallmark of this World Cup. The match was closely contested, with Merino's decisive strike coming in the dying moments to secure Spain's victory and advance to the quarterfinals.
虎扑 - 足球Mikel Merino Becomes Fifth Arsenal Player to Score at 2026 World Cup, Setting Club Record
In the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 thanks to a decisive goal from Mikel Merino. This goal made Merino the fifth Arsenal player to score in the tournament, setting a new club record for the most Arsenal players finding the net in a single World Cup. The previous record was surpassed as multiple Arsenal players contributed goals during the competition. The match was held on July 7 and the result advanced Spain to the quarterfinals.
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