Spain overcome Belgium to set up World Cup semi-final clash with France
Four days after his stoppage-time strike killed off Portugal in the last-16, the 30-year-old Arsenal striker entered as an 86th minute replacement for Dani Olmo and destroyed another World Cup adventure.
Only on the field for two minutes, his second touch of the ball zoomed into roof of the Belgium goal to give his side a 2-1 lead.
Though Belgium pressed for an equaliser, Spain held on to set up a semi-final with France on Tuesday in Dallas.
Belgium breach Spain rearguard
The goal was cruel on a Belgium side that more than held its own against one of the favourites for the crown after losing captain Youri Tielemans to an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
Spain took the lead in the 31st minute when Fabian Ruiz prodded the ball into the net after the Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had parried Pedro Porro's shot.
But just before half-time,Charles De Ketelaere nodded in the equaliser with his third goal of the tournament. It was the first time Spain had conceded a goal.
Though Belgium failed to dominate possession, they nullified Spain's famed passing game with last ditch tackles, interceptions and Courtois' agility.
'Belgium's bad luck'
A hip injury eventually claimed Courtois in the 71st minute and the tie appeared to be heading towards extra-time when Spain went old school.
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Defender Pau Cubarsi advanced and cracked a shot from 25 metres at the Belgium goal which substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled. Merino homed in for glory.
"I couldn't have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, achieving what's happening right now," said Merino.
"I always believe I can do well whenever I step onto the pitch. I trust that my moment will come."
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed the striker for embracing his role within the squad.
"Merino has many strengths," de la Fuente. "He could play for any national team or club, and for us he's the perfect fit for this team and this class of play. We know that whenever we need him, he's always there."
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Belgium boss Rudi Garcia said he was proud of his team's performance.
"It's quite clear that we can be proud of our World Cup campaign," said the 62-year-old Frenchman.
Pride in performance
"I don't think we have anything to be ashamed of in this defeat. We played the Spaniards by looking them straight in the eye. After that, to be honest, we had too many strokes of bad luck.
"When you lose your captain before kick-off, when you lose your goalkeeper during the second half, it's too many."
He also claimedBelgium should have had a penalty when Spain skipper Rodri appeared to handle the ball in the penalty area during the second-half.
"It's also a situation that went against us," Garcia added. "To reach the semi-finals beating a team of Spain's that calibre, you can't afford to have bad luck. We had it. We've had too much of it.
"And we mustn't make mistakes. And we made a few during the match, so I think the younger players will learn even more from this defeat."