Mikel Merino scored a vital late winner for Spain against Portugal on Monday, but he’s admitted that earlier this year he wasn’t even expecting to make the World Cup squad.
Yet another Arsenal player had a major impact on his national team’s World Cup progression on Monday night, as Mikel Merino stepped up at the end of Spain’s game against Portugal to score the winning goal.
The match had been heading for extra time, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the 85 minutes before Merino’s introduction as a substitute. But just six minutes later, the Arsenal midfielder made his mark.
After winning a foul in midfield, Merino immediately got to his feet and played a quick free-kick to Fabian Ruiz before making a forward run. Ferran Torres spotted Merino’s movement and slid a pass into his path, and there was no mistake with the finish, low and into the corner for 1-0.
The goal sent Spain through to the quarter-finals, and Merino suggested it was a reminder of his Euro 2024 quarter-final winner against Germany.
But the 30-year-old added that the moment was particularly sweet given he hadn’t even expected to make the tournament at one stage.
“It’s the second time I’ve experienced this, but you never get used to this kind of joy,” Merino admitted. “In such a beautiful match, given how hard we fought for it, being able to bring joy to people at home is an incredible feeling.
“There have been ups and downs. That’s life, good moments and bad. I thought I wouldn’t even make it to the World Cup, and today I’m on top of the world. It’s a reward for the effort, the hard work, and the support of my loved ones.”
It’s hardly surprising that Merino felt his participation at the World Cup was in doubt. From January 25th to May 24th, the Spaniard didn’t play a single minute of competitive football, instead working on his recovery from foot surgery.
When the former Real Sociedad player finally returned, it was only for a 28-minute cameo in Arsenal’s dead-rubber Premier League game against Crystal Palace. He made the squad for the Champions League final, but he wasn’t involved, and that was it for the club season.
Yet despite seeing Merino only get 28 minutes in four months, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente knew he couldn’t leave the player behind.
Even if Merino doesn’t do anything else all tournament, de la Fuente’s decision to call the midfielder up was fully justified on Monday.
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