Mikel Merino and Lamine Yamal reflected on Spain’s late 2-1 win over Belgium, which booked La Roja’s place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, www.aclsports.com reports.
Merino was Spain’s hero at Los Angeles Stadium, scoring the decisive goal after coming off the bench to settle another tight knockout-stage encounter.
The midfielder has now made FIFA World Cup history by becoming the first player to score the winning goal in two different knockout-stage matches as a substitute, having also netted the winner against Portugal in the round of 16.
Speaking after the match, Merino admitted that he could not have imagined the impact he has made during Spain’s World Cup campaign but insisted his belief and preparation have helped him deliver when it matters most.
“Even in my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined achieving what is happening right now,” Merino said.
“Once again, in the 90th minute, the ball falls to me inside the box. But I always trust that I can do well every time I step onto the pitch. I believe my moment will come.”
The Spain midfielder explained that his role was to stay ready for the opportunity.
“It’s crazy to be able to help the team once again, this time in a different way, but at the same time believing and trusting that something can happen, that there can be a mistake from the opposing goalkeeper and that you have to be alert.”
Merino revealed that Spain coach Luis de la Fuente gave him a simple instruction before sending him onto the pitch.
“He told me I was coming on as a number 10, and then after the match he told me that I was incredible.”
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal continued his impressive tournament by earning his second MVP award, although the teenager is still searching for his first World Cup goal.
The Barcelona winger insisted personal numbers are not his priority as Spain continue their pursuit of a second World Cup title.
“Honestly, it doesn’t frustrate me,” Yamal said. “I won the Euros scoring one goal. If we win the World Cup, I don’t think anyone will tell me, ‘you didn’t score.’ We have won, and that’s it.”
Yamal also spoke about the emotional moment he saw his younger brother celebrating on the stadium screen during the match.
“Yesterday I was at the physio and he called me from my mother’s phone. He told me he was going to stick his tongue out tomorrow. That’s why when I saw him on the screen and he did it, it made me laugh.”
Spain will now face France in the semi-finals, a match Yamal believes represents a meeting between the tournament’s two strongest teams.
“For me, these are the two best teams at the World Cup. But we have no fear. If anyone can face France with confidence, it’s us,” he said.
