Merino Credits Preparation, Not Luck, For Back-to-Back Match Winners
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute to secure Spain's 2-1 victory over Belgium and advance to the World Cup semi-finals, his second consecutive match-winning goal after scoring against Portugal.
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino stressed that his back-to-back match-winning goals came from careful preparation, not chance, after scoring the decisive goal to help Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Arsenal's Merino was substituted on in the 86th minute before finding the net in the 88th, securing Spain's advance to the semi-finals. He had previously scored the winning goal against Portugal in the round of 16 clash.
After the match, Merino shared his feelings, saying: "I don't know what to say. I still can't believe it myself."
"Doing it again—I thought it wouldn't happen to me for a long time, and now we've done it again."
"I believe in luck, but I don't think this is luck. It's about being prepared when you step onto the pitch. So you shouldn't be surprised that I scored late in the game because when I came on, I was ready."
"It feels like a dream to come on as a substitute and help the team by scoring two goals in consecutive matches. My teammates kept telling me I'd score again. I wanted to come on and help elevate the team and do whatever I could."
