Mikel Merino proved the decisive factor for Spain on Tuesday, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory against Croatia and confirming the World Cup winners’ place in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The result, achieved with two group matches to spare, extends Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 42 consecutive matches and keeps them three points clear of England at the top of Group A3.
For Croatia, the match in Split was an opportunity to respond following a demoralizing 7-0 defeat to England on Saturday, a game played before a crowd of children due to a ban on home spectators related to racism. Luka Modric’s side showed significant intent in the first half. Goalkeeper Unai Simon was tested early by a Josip Stanisic header, and while Simon initially kept the visitors level, he could not prevent the opener. After Simon saved a shot from Igor Matanovic, Ivan Perisic reacted quickest to head the rebound into the net.
The Spanish defense struggled under pressure early on, with Simon nearly gifting Croatia a second goal after an errant pass to Aymeric Laporte, though the goalkeeper managed to redeem himself by denying Matanovic. Spain struggled to find their rhythm until the introduction of Merino at half-time, which shifted the momentum in the visitors’ favor.
Spain’s attacking pressure grew early in the second half, with teenager Lamine Yamal surging into the box only to fall after touching the ball past his Barcelona clubmate, goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute when Dani Olmo, a player who spent his developmental years in Croatia, teed up the ball for Merino. The substitute delivered a precise low finish to level the score.
The balance of the contest tipped firmly toward Spain in the final 10 minutes when Perisic was issued a second yellow card for a foul on Marc Cucurella, resulting in his dismissal. Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Merino secured his brace and the victory just two minutes before the final whistle. Executing a superb turn, he blasted the ball past Livakovic to seal the win. Perisic was sent off with 10 minutes remaining for a second yellow card and Merino helped Spain capitalise with a fine finish to reach the last eight with two matches to spare.
Merino’s performance reinforced his growing reputation as a clinical substitute under coach Luis De la Fuente, continuing the impact he demonstrated throughout the summer’s World Cup campaign.
