Mikel Merino has emerged as Spain's most improbable match-winner at the FIFA World Cup, scoring decisive goals in back-to-back knockout rounds to propel La Roja into their first World Cup semifinal since 2010. The 30-year-old midfielder came off the bench in the 86th minute against Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles and struck just two minutes later to seal a 2-1 victory in the quarterfinal.

The Decisive Moment Against Belgium

Merino's introduction was brief but lethal. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente kept his instructions minimal, asking him to operate as a No. 10. Within 120 seconds of stepping onto the pitch, Merino had won the match. 'To be honest, he did not say much. He told me I would come on as a No. 10. Then, after the match, he told me I was incredible. Those were the two things he said to me,' Merino said.

It was a near-identical script to his round of 16 contribution, when a stoppage-time strike eliminated Portugal and announced him as the tournament's standout impact substitute.

The Method Behind the Magic

Merino was measured about what appeared to be an almost supernatural ability to arrive at the right place at the right time. 'I came on trying to do the best I could, trying to position myself in areas where I could hurt the opponents,' he said. 'They were very well organised, but when you get bodies into the box, things can happen. I tried to stay alert for any loose ball, any ball that might come through between the lines, and to free up teammates by occupying the centre-backs. It worked out well.'

He was equally direct about whether his late goals are luck or design. 'I do believe in some coincidences, but I do not think this is a coincidence. If three goals have come to me in key moments, it is because I really prepare myself for when those moments arrive.'

Family in the Stands — Including a Two-Month-Old

Merino's quarterfinal winner was witnessed by his family, including his two-month-old baby — who missed the round of 16 goal. 'They were not here for the round of 16, so I had to do it again so they could experience it live,' he said with a smile. 'I am very happy they are here, because they are my strength. I am sure part of the luck I had, with the ball falling to me, came from the good energy they gave me.'

When asked how he would one day explain this World Cup run to his child, Merino laughed off the challenge. 'I don't know. Luckily, there is YouTube and the internet, so I will be able to show him. It is difficult to explain something like this with words.'

A Pattern Built on Big Occasions

This is not the first time Merino has defined a knockout match for Spain. At Euro 2024, he scored a late winner in extra time to eliminate Germany 2-1 in the quarterfinal — a goal that also came as a substitute. That makes it three decisive knockout goals in major tournaments across two competitions, a record that places him in rare company among impact players in international football.

Merino himself acknowledged the weight of the moment even as he struggled to articulate it. 'I honestly do not even know what to say. I still cannot quite believe it. I feel very fortunate and privileged to be living this.' Spain now advance to the World Cup semifinal, where they will look to their bench hero once more if the game demands it.