Mikel Merino's decisive goal sends Spain into the World Cup semi-finals, while Lamine Yamal seeks to find his form.
New Delhi, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: For almost any side looking to be successful, they need match winners throughout the team - and Spain are proving they have them as Mikel Merino delivered in his role as super sub once again to send the European champions into the World Cup semi-finals.
The Arsenal midfielder stepped off the bench for the second successive game to score the decisive goal - this time securing a 2-1 victory against Belgium.
The win means Spain are into the last four of the tournament for only the second time. The last time they made it there - in 2010 - they went on to lift the trophy. This historical context adds weight to their current performance, as Spain seeks to reclaim its status as a dominant force in international .
Merino's latest heroics have set up a meeting with France for a place in the final and also a mouthwatering showdown between Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, who - by contrast to the Frenchman - is yet to make his mark at this World Cup. The anticipation surrounding this match is palpable, as both teams possess a rich ing heritage and a roster of talented players.
Few players relish developing a reputation as a super sub - someone who can come off the bench and make an impact - because they would rather be starting games on the pitch. However, Merino's journey to this point has been anything but straightforward, and his resilience is commendable.
Just a few months ago, Merino faced a significant setback when he suffered an unusual injury to his foot - a stress fracture in an area even specialists had not seen before. This injury not only ruled him out of action for Arsenal but also cast a shadow over his World Cup hopes. The uncertainty surrounding his fitness was a source of anxiety for both the player and the national team, as Spain's midfield depth was already being tested.
Despite these challenges, Merino made a remarkable recovery, returning to action just a month before the tournament commenced. His tenacity and determination to regain his place in the Spain squad have paid off, as he has proven to be an invaluable player in their run to the last four.
Merino's contributions have been critical; he scored in stoppage time to send Portugal out in the last 16, and he repeated those heroics against Belgium. His ability to perform under pressure highlights not just his skill but also his mental fortitude.
"Mikel is incredible," Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said after the quarter-final win. "He has many qualities. He is a player that across the whole World Cup could have played in whatever team and done great. For us, he is the standard of this idea, of this model. It is a pleasure to have him, and others but especially him. We know that without fail he is always there."
Merino himself feared he would not be fit enough to play at this World Cup. "The fact of being here a few months ago was unthinkable," Merino said after the Portugal win. "Now I am, as I said before, at the highest point, enjoying one of the happiest moments of my career. Now I remember all those bad moments, all the people who have supported me, all the people who have pushed me when even I sometimes found it difficult to believe I could be here."
Merino's heroics will be a familiar sight for Arsenal fans, with the 30-year-old having done similar at the Gunners. Traditionally a midfielder, his height has seen him utilized as a striker by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. His versatility is a testament to his ing intelligence, allowing him to adapt to various roles as needed.
His first notable impact in this role came when he memorably came off the bench to score twice against Leicester in a 2-0 win in February last year. Such performances have endeared him to fans and coaches alike, reinforcing his status as a player who can be relied upon in crucial moments.
"Merino is just one of those players who arrives at the right time, at the right moment in big games," former England striker Wayne Rooney said on Match of the Day. This sentiment reflects the growing recognition of Merino's capabilities on the international stage.
De la Fuente added: "He can be the best striker and the best midfielder because of his understanding of the game. He interprets the game perfectly. He is committed, he is generous, he is happy to do the work." These attributes are essential for any player aiming to excel in high-pressure situations like the World Cup.
This has been a tournament where the big names have stepped up with Argentina great Lionel Messi, France's Mbappe, England's Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland of Norway all playing leading roles for their respective teams. The spotlight on these players often overshadows emerging talents, such as Spain's teenager star - Lamine Yamal.
Despite his potential, Lamine Yamal is yet to truly light up the stage to the extent he did during the national team's successful Euro 2024 campaign. The pressure on young players in such high-stakes environments can be immense, and it is not uncommon for them to struggle under the weight of expectations.
While the other names are battling it out for the Golden Boot, Lamine Yamal has played six games at this World Cup and scored just one goal. His performance has drawn mixed reviews; at times, he has made the wrong decision, opting to shoot when a pass would have been better. However, it is important to note that he is still contributing to the team's overall play, as his dribbling ability and pace help to create space for players like Merino.
"You'll have Lionel Messi making the wrong decisions at times," Rooney added. "Let's remember he came into this tournament injured, so he is still finding his rhythm in the game. Where he is effective is when he takes the ball, he attracts players towards him, and he creates space for his teammates." This perspective underscores the learning curve that young players experience, especially in a tournament setting.
Spain have been brilliant in defense, with Belgium's goal the first they have conceded at this World Cup. This defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of their success thus far, providing a strong foundation for the team's attacking players to flourish.
However, that backline will be really put to the test against a free-scoring Mbappe-led France. The French team has shown a capacity to score goals from various positions, making them a formidable opponent. This matchup promises to be a tactical battle, as both teams will need to adapt their strategies to exploit the other's weaknesses.
It means Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Spain attack are also going to need to be at their best to alleviate the pressure on those at the back. The balance between defense and attack will be crucial, as Spain seeks to maintain its unbeaten run in the tournament.
"I think we have not seen the best from the attacking players in terms of fluidity and making the right decision," ex-Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta said. This statement reflects a concern that Spain's attacking unit has not yet hit its peak performance, which could be critical in the upcoming match against France.
"What gives me confidence is Spain control the game and recover the ball quite quickly. You don't see them at any point collapse and not knowing what to do. It is true that his [Lamine Yamal's] game has not transferred into goals or assists, but he is very influential in Spain's game. He wants to create the difference. He is always moving, so I think he has more to give to the team and now is the right time." This assessment highlights the potential for growth and improvement in Yamal's play as the tournament progresses, as well as the importance of teamwork in achieving success.
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