In both knockout ties, Merino came on in the 85th minute and found the back of the net within minutes. Against Portugal, he scored five minutes after his introduction, and against Belgium, he repeated the feat, adding another crucial goal within nine minutes of playing time across the two matches, plus stoppage time. His contributions helped push Spain into the last four.
Merino’s late-game heroics have made him a trailblazer in World Cup history. He became the first player to score winning goals in separate knockout ties as a substitute. His fitness story adds to the significance of his impact, having previously faced a stress fracture of the foot with Arsenal in January, which raised doubts about his tournament participation.
Former England midfielder Joe Cole weighed in on Merino’s influence. Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Cole urged Merino to press for a starting role from head coach Luis de la Fuente. “If I’m Merino, the first thing I’m doing is I’m knocking on the gaffer’s door. I’m not even giving him an option. I’m going, ‘Gaffer, where am I starting in the semi-final?’ Put it on him,” Cole said.
De la Fuente has trusted Merino’s impact off the bench, and the results have been compelling. Spain now face France and William Saliba in the semi-finals, with the French side regarded as favorites to win the tournament. Merino’s run of crucial late contributions could shape the tactical approach for the remainder of Spain’s campaign, and de la Fuente may consider extending Merino’s involvement beyond a nine-minute contribution in the next match if his form holds.
Merino has long shown a penchant for big moments. Across his Premier League career with Arsenal, ten of his eleven goals were game-changing, the highest rate in the squad. His club teammate Bukayo Saka recently praised Merino’s resilience in returning from injury to perform on the world stage, underscoring the value he adds when it matters most. With players like Leandro Trossard potentially moving on, Merino has grown into a trusted option for decisive moments in Spain’s setup.
Merino started only one game in this tournament, yet his late intervention has helped push Spain toward the semi-finals. His sustained impact off the bench has sparked calls for him to start, a sentiment echoed by Cole’s assessment and the broader analysis of his recent performances. Whether Merino starts or continues as a super-sub, his influence in these knockout ties has been undeniable.
