Mikel Merino continued to confirm his status as one of the most prominent stars in decisive moments for the Spanish national team, after leading "La Roja" to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup by scoring a late winning goal against Portugal in the 91st minute, giving his team a valuable 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 top match.

This was not the first time Merino decided a fateful match for Spain, as he had previously etched his name in golden letters in the Euro 2024 tournament, when he scored the winning goal against Germany in the 119th minute of the quarter-final clash, leading his team to the semi-finals at that time.

Merino has become a specialist in deciding major matches with his late goals, confirming his great value in the most difficult moments, and continuing to write his name among the top stars of the Spanish national team in major tournaments.

Mikel Merino continued to assert his status as one of the standout stars in crucial moments for the Spanish national team, as he led "La Roja" to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup by scoring the decisive winning goal against Portugal in the 91st minute, granting his country a valuable victory with a score of 1-0 in the Round of 16 clash.

This was not the first time Merino had decided a critical match for Spain, as he had previously etched his name in golden letters during the Euro 2024 tournament, when he scored the winning goal against Germany in the 119th minute of the quarter-final match, leading his team to the semi-finals at that time.

Merino has become a specialist in clinching major matches with his late goals, confirming his immense value in the toughest moments, and continues to write his name among the top stars of the Spanish national team in major tournaments.