Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as Spain fought back from a goal down to beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League on Tuesday, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Croatia took an early lead through Ivan Perisic in the 17th minute, the veteran winger heading the ball into the net after a well-delivered cross. The goal gave Croatia a rare advantage against the world champions, who had been chasing an 11th consecutive win under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Croatia entered the game on the back of a heavy 7-0 defeat to England in their previous Nations League fixture but earned a standing ovation at half-time for a much-improved first-half display against Spain.
Spain responded with greater intensity after the break. The equaliser came in the 61st minute when Dani Olmo pounced on a poor clearance and found Merino inside the box. Merino made no mistake, driving the ball past the Croatian goalkeeper to level the score.
As the match progressed, Spain pressed for a winner. Lamine Yamal’s shot was blocked, but the momentum was clearly with the hosts. Croatia’s challenge was dealt a blow when Perisic was sent off just after having a strong effort saved. The 37-year-old received a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, reducing Croatia to 10 men.
Spain capitalised on the numerical advantage in the dying minutes. In the 88th minute, Merino connected with a precise pass from Arsenal teammate Martin Zubimendi and finished with a composed strike to the back of the net, sealing the victory.
The win places Spain at the top of League A – Group 3, three points clear of England, who had beaten the Czech Republic 3-0 earlier in the week.
Merino’s brace was decisive in a match that tested Spain’s resilience after falling behind early. Perisic’s dismissal appeared to shift the momentum firmly in Spain’s favour at a critical stage.
According to Joy Online.
