De La Fuente Hails Spain's Strength in Depth After Super-Sub Merino Strikes Again
Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino scored as Spain’s depth carried them past Belgium and into a semifinal meeting with France.
- On Friday in INGLEWOOD, California, Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a tense 2-1 victory over Belgium, with goals from Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino.
- Spain manager Luis de la Fuente's bold selection calls proved decisive, as Ruiz opened the scoring after replacing Pedri in the starting lineup.
- Substitute Merino entered in the 86th minute and struck two minutes later, pouncing when goalkeeper Senne Lammels failed to hold Pau Cubarsi's low strike.
- Luis de la Fuente emphasized collective responsibility, stating "What matters is the team," while praising players' maturity in accepting bench assignments.
- Tournament favourites France await Spain on Tuesday for a place in the final, with de la Fuente expecting a demanding contest against a side showing "extraordinary, exceptional potential.
25 Articles
25 Articles
In the last stage of the match, the goal with which Spain won the victory against Belgium and that allows it to qualify for the second semifinal of its history carries the signature of Mikel Merino
When Mikel Merino enters the turf, Spain's opponents slip their knees. Against Belgium, Superjoker La Furia Roja shoots into the dream semi-final against France - and writes World Cup history.
Luis de la Fuente again won a match without scoring a goal. He did it from the band, moving the pieces at the right time and demonstrating, once again, that few selectors read the matches like him. Spain is already in the semifinals of the World Cup thanks to Mikel Merino in the 88th minute, but behind that victory there is a succession of decisions that explain why this selection continues to grow. The Riojano again built the triumph from the s…
Sniffing the scent of a goal, a super sub for two consecutive matches... Even the debate over starting Merino is heating up. OSEN = Reporter Jung Seung-woo. It was neither Lamine Yamal nor Dani Olmo. The player who led Spain to the World Cup semifinals was Mikel Merino, 30 of Arsenal, who was brought on as a substitute once again. Spain... on the 11th (KST) in Los Angeles, USA...
FIFA WC: We know what France can bring, Spain Coach after win over Belgium in quarter-final - The Tribune
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said his side is ready for the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal challenge against tournament's favourite France, insisting every match brings a new test and highlighting the strength of his squad.
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