Merino the unlikely hero again - as Spain wait for Lamine Yamal show
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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 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.
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.
Merino overcomes setbacks to become Spain's super sub
Few footballers 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.
But just being a part of Spain's World Cup squad was something Merino could not envisage just a few months ago.
In January, he suffered an unusual injury to his foot - a stress fracture in an area even specialists had not seen before.
It not only ruled Merino out of action for Arsenal but also left his World Cup hopes in huge doubt as he was unable to return to action for the Gunners until just a month before the tournament got under way.
Not only did Merino return and earn his place in the Spain squad but he is proving an invaluable player in their run to the last four.
He scored in stoppage time to send Portugal out in the last 16 and repeated those heroics against Belgium.
"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."
Always there he may be, but 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 utilised as a striker by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, and the first time he was used in such a role was when he memorably came off the bench to score twice against Leicester in a 2-0 win in February last year.
"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.
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."
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'Messi will make the wrong decisions at times' - Lamine Yamal yet to truly shine
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.
However Spain and Barecelona's teenager star - Lamine Yamal - is yet to truly light up the stage to the extent he did during the national team's successful Euro 2024 campaign.
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.
At times at the tournament he has made the wrong decision, opting to shoot when a pass would have been better, but that is not to say he is not contributing as his dribbling ability and pace helps to make 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 team-mates."
Tough test ahead against France
Spain have been brilliant in defence, with Belgium's goal the first they have conceded at this World Cup.
But that backline will be really put to test against a free-scoring Mbappe-led France.
It means Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Spain attack is also going to need to be at their best to alleviate the pressure on those at the back
"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.
"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."
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