Spain reach World Cup quarter-finals after Merino's late winner
Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike has sent Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals, delivering a unifying public moment that typically drives consumer spending and national morale across the continent.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic late goal to send Spain into the World Cup quarter-finals, beating goalkeeper Diogo Costa after normal time had expired in Arlington. The match-winner came from a quickly taken free-kick, moving through fellow substitutes Fabián Ruiz and Ferran Torres before Merino found the net. It marked the second consecutive major tournament where Merino has secured a late victory, having headed Spain into the Euro 2024 semi-finals with 65 seconds remaining.
Deep tournament runs carry tangible economic implications for European nations, driving consumer spending in hospitality, retail and broadcasting as fans gather to watch. Beyond commercial balance sheets, these late victories provide rare, collective moments of civic cohesion that briefly suspend domestic political and economic anxieties. In Pamplona, the timing was particularly poignant, coinciding with the opening day of the San Fermín fiestas where citizens wear the same white and red as the national team.
The goalscoring moment capped a grueling physical and emotional journey for the midfielder. A stress fracture in his foot cast serious doubt over his participation, leaving him on crutches for two months and limiting him to just 28 minutes of football between January and the tournament. He travelled to the Champions League final without playing and arrived in Chattanooga still lacking full fitness. “When they told me about my injury, I thought I would not be at the World Cup, but here I am,” he said.
His isolation during rehabilitation was compounded by personal sacrifice. Merino has been away for five of the eight weeks since his son Marco was born, relying heavily on his wife, Lola, while she was expecting. “It was incredible to see her, seven or eight months pregnant, helping me get up the stairs,” he said. “It was hard for her but she was so strong.”
After scoring, Merino replicated a celebration steeped in family history, circling the corner flag while wearing a red San Fermín scarf. The gesture mirrored a goal his father, Ángel Miguel, scored for Osasuna 33 years ago. “When that happens you remember everything – the good things and the bad things, all the things you have at home,” Merino said. “The injury, not seeing my little one grow: I used that as strength to get the best out of me. This is the product of the hard work my family always inculcated in me. I did my part. For it to happen in the last minute again, I am so happy.”
“Enjoy it,” he added, “celebrating with your loved ones is the most beautiful thing in life.”
