Merino: Spain's World Cup late hero

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino has delivered decisive goals in Spain's last two World Cup knockout victories - their first such wins since 2010. The 27-year-old's habit of finding the net in crucial moments has provided coach Luis de la Fuente with confidence during high-stakes matches. forumteam.blog

Spain had previously fallen at the quarter-final stage in 1986, 1994 and 2002, but Merino's late strikes have helped them advance further in the tournament.